Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to diverse preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, stands out for its budget-friendly appeal and the delightful blend of sound and feel it offers. Users can enjoy a lively auditory experience thanks to its poppy, clacky nature, combined with a smooth, creamy tactile feedback that enhances typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight also boasts a linear design but is distinguished by its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which results in a subdued sound profile while maintaining the signature clackiness inherent in HMX switches. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear actuation, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a vibrant acoustic experience, whereas the Twilight offers a more muted yet equally satisfying typing sensation. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Twilight, a clear distinction arises in their top housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clear resonation that enhances the auditory experience, especially with RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Twilight's top housing is made of nylon, a classic material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition, leading to a duller and rounder auditory result. Therefore, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be favored for a more vibrant sound, the HMX Twilight could appeal to those who appreciate a subtler auditory profile.
Both switches, however, share a common material for their bottom housings—nylon. This results in a consistent sound experience across both models for the lower half of the switch. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs vibrations effectively, giving a rounder audio profile. Regardless of the differences in top housing, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the tactile experience remains similar when fully pressed down, delivering a cohesive bottom-out feel. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound experience when engaging with the bottom housing of both switches.
The divergence in top housing materials leads to contrasting sound characteristics when the key is released, while the shared nylon bottom housing bridges the gap by offering a foundational similarity in feel and sound. When it comes to the release phase, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing will produce clearer tones that may resonate and sing, while the HMX Twilight's nylon top will generate a muffled sound, maintaining its unique acoustic signature. However, the overall experience remains balanced, as both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing—ensuring that both models deliver a satisfying tactile and auditory experience. Users may appreciate one switch for its vibrant sound while the other for its robust, soothing tones; either way, they can find enjoyment in the similarities each switch shares through its nylon construction.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lower resistance caters well to individuals who favor longer typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate and bottom out. Consequently, users seeking a lighter key feel would gravitate towards the HMX Twilight, while those who prefer a stronger push would find the V3 Cream Yellow Pro more appealing. Overall, the two switches offer distinct experiences based on their pressure requirements, catering to different preferences in typists and gamers alike.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Twilight linear switches, there is a notable difference. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option between the two switches. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a travel distance of 3.85 mm, positioning it as the longer switch. For those who favor quicker response times typical of shorter travel distances, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the preferable choice. However, if a deeper, more substantial key press is desired, the Twilight switch would be the better fit. This distinction allows users to tailor their choice based on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 produces a poppy, clacky tone that many enthusiasts find satisfying and vibrant. Its auditory profile provides a lively experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter sound, though it still retains the characteristic clackiness associated with HMX switches. Thus, while both switches offer a clack sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro presents a louder, more boisterous auditory experience, whereas the Twilight leans towards a muted yet still lively character.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels with its array of descriptors: it is easy to press, offering gentle resistance that minimizes fatigue, creating a comfortable typing experience that is particularly enjoyable during long sessions. Additionally, its bouncy and feathery nature provides a lively rebound, making the actuation feel both responsive and delightful. The snappy quality also enhances its appeal, contributing to a dynamic typing sensation. Conversely, the description of the Twilight in terms of feel is unknown; therefore, a direct comparison cannot be drawn. However, users can expect a linear switch experience that may possess a more muted feedback compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Twilight linear switch cater to different auditory preferences, with the former delivering a more assertive sound profile and the latter offering a quieter option while maintaining clackiness. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its rich tactile feel characterized by its ease of press, bounciness, and overall polished experience, yet comparisons to the Twilight cannot be fully articulated due to a lack of descriptive information about its feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will significantly depend on whether you prioritize a vibrant sound and tactile feedback or a quieter and potentially smoother experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a more dynamic auditory experience and a moderate actuation force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out as a fantastic option, particularly for those who enjoy a lively typing sound and feel, complemented by a satisfying tactile feedback. It's an excellent pick for typists or gamers who appreciate a responsive and somewhat clacky feedback without overwhelming fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an extended travel distance for an overall quieter experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and smooth operation can make typing feel effortless, offering a gentle and cushioned experience perfect for extensive use in a quiet environment. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound and tactile sensation or a featherlight feel and silence, both switches cater to distinct tastes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your typing or gaming style.
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