Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct experiences tailored for different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is celebrated for its vibrant auditory feedback, combining a satisfying pop and clack with a smooth tactile feel, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing experience. This switch is often described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and snappy, providing a polished feel that caters to those who appreciate a bit of flair in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on a tranquil quietness, designed for light typists looking for a soothing environment. With a gentle 43g bottom out force, the Silent Sakura creates an almost ethereal typing sensation, ideal for users who cannot compromise on peace during their workflow. While both switches classify as linear, they cater to very different types of keyboard users. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it becomes evident that both switches utilize contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This material is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups, as its translucency allows for vibrant light effects. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the differing materials yield distinct sound profiles at the top of each switch, reflecting their unique acoustic properties.
Switching focus to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing that mirrors the characteristics of its top counterpart. This choice reinforces the switch's fuller sound profile, ensuring a balanced auditory experience with deeper notes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g integrates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which heightens the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced, leading to a sharper bottom-out sound and overall feeling. This combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the respective bottom housings creates a pronounced distinction in how each switch feels and sounds at the bottom of a keystroke. The contrasting materials play a significant role in modulating the sensory feedback experienced during typing.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, this variance will result in unique auditory experiences when pressed. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom offers a crisp sound on release and fullness upon bottoming out, yielding a balanced auditory profile. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a mix of depth from the nylon top and clarity from the polycarbonate bottom, leading to a distinctly different typing experience. Those who appreciate the acoustic qualities of their keyboard switches can expect differing results, underscoring the importance of housing material in sound and feel in tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, significant differences in weight and feel emerge. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This distinction means that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely favor the Silent Sakura switch, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Overall, the V3 is the heavier option, which provides a firmer keystroke, making it suitable for users who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a more responsive choice for users who favor quick key presses, particularly beneficial for gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Consequently, those who enjoy a snappier response should lean towards the Akko switch, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth may find the HMX Silent Sakura more to their liking. Overall, the Akko switch is the shorter option, while the HMX Silent Sakura is the longer one.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch produces a poppy, clacky sound that delivers a vibrant auditory experience. This lively acoustic profile can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate the auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a completely different sonic landscape; it offers a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This stark contrast in sound indicates that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is perfect for users who enjoy an energetic typing environment, the Silent Sakura caters to those seeking a more subdued and peaceful atmosphere.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, they present notable distinctions as well. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value a lively, responsive typing experience. With minimal resistance required for key presses, typists can enjoy long sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is unknown, but its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force suggests that it will also provide a comfortable typing experience, albeit in a quieter context. Therefore, if you prefer a more tactile and responsive feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the ideal choice, while the Silent Sakura could offer gentle performance suited for distraction-free environments.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in sound and tactile feedback, creating a lively typing experience that many enthusiasts may find appealing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet and serene typing environment, ideal for those who prefer minimal noise. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you value a dynamic auditory experience or a quiet atmosphere while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will guide your choice. If you favor a more noticeable auditory experience with each keystroke, enjoy a lively and responsive typing feel, and don't mind a bit more resistance, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a perfect match. Its medium bottom-out force and poppy sound make it an exciting option for both casual typing and gaming sessions, providing a rewarding tactile experience. However, if you prioritize a quieter atmosphere, perhaps for shared spaces or late-night typing, or if you prefer a lighter touch with minimal physical effort, the Silent Sakura - 43g is ideally suited for you. With its whisper-quiet operation and gentle activation, it ensures a serene typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value both comfort and discretion during extended use. Ultimately, by considering your needs for sound, tactile feedback, and typing force, you'll be better equipped to select the switch that enhances your typing experience the most.
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