Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Perky switches offer compelling options. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is celebrated for its engaging auditory experience and smooth tactile feel, appealing to those who enjoy a lively typing environment; its easy-to-press and bouncy characteristics make it a fantastic choice for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches present a more understated yet intriguing typing sensation, thanks to their softer nylon housings and shorter travel distance, providing a neutral and condensed experience that many users find deeply satisfying. While both switches cater to a linear preference, the unique auditory and tactile traits of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro juxtapose nicely with the HMX Perky's subtlety, catering to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Perky, a notable distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity when a key is released. Conversely, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties lead it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Therefore, the main difference between the two switch types in terms of top housing comes down to clarity versus warmth in sound production.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Perky utilize nylon, creating a significant similarity between their overall sound profiles. The nylon material provides a consistent foundation for both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. This shared characteristic means that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may have a brighter sound when releasing keys due to its polycarbonate top, the warm bass tones will remain present due to the nylon bottom housing in both switches. Consequently, users can expect a level of consistency in deep sound profile irrespective of the differences in their respective top housing materials.
In essence, while the top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Perky foster contrasting sound qualities, both switches find common ground with their nylon bottom housing. This combination allows both switches to deliver full-bodied sound effects, creating a satisfying typing experience. When typing on these switches, the acute differences in tonal quality from the top housing will be balanced by the underlying warmth of the nylon bottom, providing a rich auditory experience that caters to varied user preferences in the sound spectrum. Thus, while they have distinct sound profiles due to their top housing materials, both switches benefit from the deep resonance provided by nylon in their bottom housings, allowing for similar satisfying results.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch demonstrate distinct characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-force switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter configuration can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for extended use in work or gaming sessions. While both switches bottom out at different forces, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a greater force both to actuate and to bottom out. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation and bottom out force should lean toward the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, whereas those seeking a lighter touch could favor the HMX Perky.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. However, the difference in travel distance is minimal, so both switches can yield similar results in terms of overall performance, but your personal preference will determine which one feels better for your needs.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro generates a lively and engaging auditory experience characterized as poppy and clacky. This quality makes it an enjoyable option for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound profile while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Perky is designed to produce a softer sound, which is likely less intrusive in quieter environments. Its nylon housing contributes to this gentler auditory feedback. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, the Perky offers a more muted approach, making it suitable for users seeking a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is marked by several favorable characteristics. It has an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force for activation, which translates to an effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended usage. Additionally, the switch provides a feathery touch with a bouncy and snappy feedback, creating an engaging and responsive experience that adds a lively sensation when typing. The refined design also contributes to a polished feel, ensuring smooth key presses. The HMX Perky, however, is noted for offering a more neutral feel, described as deeply satisfying but lacking specific descriptors that delineate its tactile properties in detail. This could suggest that while it presents a comfortable typing experience, it is perhaps less dynamic compared to the vibrant qualities of the Akko switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Perky linear switches deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro appeals to those who prioritize an engaging sound and a lively typing feel, characterized by a combination of poppy auditory feedback and an easy, polished touch. In contrast, the HMX Perky focuses on neutrality and comfort with its soft sound and deeply satisfying feel, but lacks detailed descriptors of its tactile sensations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor a vibrant auditory experience and dynamic feel or a quieter, more neutral setup for typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch should largely depend on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a more vibrant auditory experience and a balance between tactile feedback and sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, is an excellent choice. It's ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying poppy sound along with a creamy tactile feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on comfort and less finger strain, the HMX Perky with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams would be the better option. The Perky's softer housing provides a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to its condensed travel distance. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the snappy and polished feel of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the easy-to-press, feathery experience of the HMX Perky, both switches cater to different typing styles and needs, allowing you to choose based on what feels best for you.
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