Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences of users. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a popular pick for budget-conscious enthusiasts, offering a delightful auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth and tactile feel that makes typing a joy. It boasts characteristics such as being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy an engaging and responsive keyboard experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, delivers a refined typing experience with its carefully crafted materials that provide a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, augmented by the excellent factory lube that HMX is known for. Both switches offer unique benefits for different uses, yet they share a common linear design that appeals to fans of smooth keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Ly
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
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a similar sound profile that is characterized by sharpness, high-pitch clarity, and crispness. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall auditory experience, ensuring that both switches resonate with a clear and bright sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed, allowing light to pass through and illuminate the switch, resulting in vibrant and visually striking effects. Thus, in terms of sound and aesthetic enhancement, users of both switches can expect comparable results thanks to the identical top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Sunset Gleam are made of nylon, a material renowned for its capacity to create a deeper, fuller sound. The soft nature of nylon absorbs more sound waves compared to harder materials, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience, especially when bottoming out the key. This characteristic allows for a pleasant typing feel that many enthusiasts appreciate, providing a distinct contrast to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can anticipate a similarly robust and warm sound profile stemming from this material, reinforcing the switches' overall sound quality despite their different designs.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches differ in design nuances, they share key similarities in the materials used for their housings, producing aesthetically coherent and acoustically pleasing results. Both switches will deliver a well-rounded auditory experience due to the nylon bottom housing, coupled with a crisp sound from the polycarbonate top. This thoughtful combination means that whether you choose the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the HMX Sunset Gleam, you will enjoy vibrant lighting effects and a harmonious sound profile that caters both to visual and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch exhibit notable differences in both 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, positioning it as a medium-force switch that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended use, such as in long gaming sessions or professional typing environments. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for less fatigue over time might gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam, while those who enjoy a heavier feel and tactile feedback might favor the Cream Yellow Pro. Overall, these differences highlight the varying preferences in switch weight, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being the heavier option and the HMX Sunset Gleam offering a lighter feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more responsive and quicker keypress, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, appealing to users who prefer a heartier feel when typing. Thus, if sensitivity and rapid actuation are your priority, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, with its shorter travel distance, would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial keypress, the Sunset Gleam is the better option.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer a poppy, clacky auditory experience right from the box. This sound profile is vibrant, making it pleasing for users who enjoy a more expressive and energetic keystroke response. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches feature a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack, thanks in part to the manufacturer’s emphasis on quality materials and factory lube. Both switches, while distinct in their sound characteristics, highlight that the auditory experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, giving users flexibility in tailoring their sound environment.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is designed for comfort with qualities like being easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy, which combine to create an effortless typing experience. This light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, allowing for a lively and reactive feel. The polished nature of these switches adds to the smoothness, further enhancing their overall feel. Comparatively, the feel of the Sunset Gleam switches remains unspecified in the provided data, leaving some uncertainty about their tactile characteristics. However, given the emphasis on quality and factory lube, one can expect a solid performance that competes well with other linear switches.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches cater to different auditory preferences and tactile experiences. The Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a more vibrant sound and incredibly light, responsive feel, while the Sunset Gleam brings a mix of subtlety and quality with its sound profile. If you are inclined towards an energetic auditory experience and a smooth, engaging feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will serve you well; however, if you prefer a more nuanced sound with potentially refined feel attributes, the Sunset Gleam could be appealing, although specific details about its feel are currently unavailable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits that could suit various user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches boils down to your specific typing preferences and requirements. If you're looking for a medium bottom-out force that provides a satisfying auditory experience with a poppy sound and a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for enthusiasts who enjoy consistent feedback and responsive typing, making it a great option for both daily use and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an effortless typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch, known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack combined with excellent factory lubrication, could be your ideal pick. These switches are perfect for those who type frequently or for extended periods, as the lighter actuation force can significantly reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what sounds and feels best for you, whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and light typing experience.
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