Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Gravel both offer linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience; its poppy, clacky sound combined with a creamy tactile feel provides a lively typing atmosphere that can enhance your overall experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Gravel delivers exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, appealing to those who prioritize effortless key presses and a responsive touch, thanks to its medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. While the Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its bouncy and snappy characteristics, the Gravel focuses on a consistently smooth experience, making them suitable for different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Gravel share a significant similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, as polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Furthermore, this material's translucency is advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for improved illumination and aesthetic appeal. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches in terms of the higher-pitched and crisp tones when typing or gaming.
When we turn our attention to their respective bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Gravel employ nylon. This classic material stands out due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than tougher plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile associated with each switch. As nylon is a softer plastic, the tactile feedback and sound produced upon bottoming out are noticeably different from the top housing experience. Therefore, while the top housings of the two switches contribute a similar high-pitched clarity, the bottom housings work together to produce a richer overall auditory experience.
In conclusion, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing allows for a harmonious sound experience between the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Gravel. While the polycarbonate enhances higher frequencies with a clear and bright output, the nylon contributes to a deeper, rounded sound upon bottoming out. This balance of materials ensures that users will enjoy a cohesive acoustic profile, with both switches’ designs complementing each other well, delivering a versatile and layered auditory experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Gravel offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Gravel switch is easier to press, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more substantial and tactile feel that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger pushback. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch will benefit from the HMX Gravel, whereas those who prefer a heavier feel should opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro measures a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Gravel has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Yellow Pro the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers or those seeking fast response times, as a shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel, with its 3.5 mm distance, offers a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the choice between them hinges on whether one favors the quick responsiveness of a shorter distance or the deeper satisfaction of a longer distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is characterized by a poppy, clacky resonance that adds an engaging auditory experience to typing sessions. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback as part of their mechanical keyboard interaction. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch's sound quality is currently unknown, but it's important to note that sound can greatly depend on additional factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice, meaning both switches may end up delivering a unique auditory experience based on individual setups.
Regarding feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its exceptionally easy-to-press design, which offers minimal resistance during key presses. This characteristic results in effortless typing, significantly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. It also has a feathery and bouncy quality, contributing to a lively typing sensation, while remaining polished for a smooth experience. Unfortunately, specific attributes about the feel of the Gravel switch remain undisclosed, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it is noted that the Gravel switch emphasizes a medium-light actuation force, suggesting a similarly responsive touch that could align with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's overall comfort.
In summary, both switches present attractive options to different types of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro impresses with its vibrant sound and range of favorable tactile qualities that promote an enjoyable typing experience. While the Gravel's sound and specific feel qualities are not fully detailed, its medium-light actuation force suggests it could also provide an easy and responsive typing experience, potentially delivering similar benefits when combined with the right keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a slightly heavier key press and are looking for a switch that delivers an engaging auditory experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's medium actuation force of 60 grams and its satisfying clackiness make it an excellent choice for not just typing but also gaming sessions filled with feedback. Its design offers a creamy tactile feel with a lively and snappy response, making your interactions both enjoyable and expressive. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with effortless keystrokes, the HMX Gravel is a better fit for your needs. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, it allows for fluid and smooth typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Gravel's refined smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and smooth key travel, especially in work or study scenarios. By assessing how each switch aligns with your typing style and requirements, you'll be able to make a confident choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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