Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus present two compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal, delivering a delightful combination of poppy acoustic feedback and creamy tactile sensation, making it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming. Users can expect an easy-to-press, polished experience that enhances their overall keyboard enjoyment. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered specifically with gamers in mind, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire inputs, alongside a bright and clacky sound profile which adds an invigorating quality to the gaming experience. While both switches offer snappy responses, the Akko emphasizes smoothness and a tactile feel, whereas the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit both similarities and differences that impact their overall acoustic profile. The top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic allows for a distinctive sound when keys are released, crucial for users who prefer auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, known for its capability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively. Thus, while the V3 enhances the high-pitched clarity during key releases, the Vintage Citrus offers a more subdued and rounded sound.
Looking at the bottom housings, both switches incorporate nylon material, which is renowned for delivering deeper sound profiles during key presses. In this regard, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Vintage Citrus are aligned, as the use of nylon creates a duller and fuller experience when bottoming out. Since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, the impact on the typing experience remains consistent across these models, providing users with a smooth and pleasant sensation when the key is fully pressed down. This shared characteristic allows for a similar fundamental typing experience, focusing on the sound profile created by the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the distinction between the two switches lies primarily in their top housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro’s polycarbonate top contributes to clarity and sharpness, enhancing the auditory response when keys are released, while the nylon top housing of the Vintage Citrus generates a softer sound profile. Therefore, a user seeking a more distinct, feedback-rich typing experience might gravitate towards the V3, whereas someone who prefers a more rounded and subdued sound might favor the Vintage Citrus. However, due to their shared nylon bottoms, both switches will offer a pleasant bottom-out feel, allowing users to enjoy familiarity in that aspect regardless of their choice.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is lighter with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Vintage Citrus offers a slightly easier keystroke, making it more suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier V3 Cream Yellow Pro might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, as its higher force can provide a more tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches offer a satisfying experience, the preference for lighter or heavier actuation will guide users to choose the switch that best fits their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a notable difference. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the Vintage Citrus features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that, for gamers or individuals who favor quicker response times, the Vintage Citrus may be the more appealing option due to its shallower travel distance, which can contribute to a more immediate actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel to their keystrokes might prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, as its longer 3.3 mm travel distance provides a more generous depth that some find more satisfying. Thus, although both switches reflect current trends towards shorter travel distances, they cater to different preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches both exhibit a bright, clacky profile. The Cream Yellow Pro's poppy sound creates a satisfying auditory experience, perfect for those who appreciate a vibrant and lively atmosphere while typing. In comparison, the Vintage Citrus also produces a sharp and snappy sound, characterized by its crispness and percussive quality. It's important to note that both sound profiles may vary based on the keyboard used and the choice of keycaps, but expect a similarly engaging auditory experience from both switches.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with a combination of characteristics that enhance its ergonomic performance. It's designed to be easy to press, making minimal resistance during key presses a hallmark of its design, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, its feathery lightness reduces finger fatigue, while its polished finish ensures smooth key travel, providing a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch emphasizes rapid actuations, offering an exceptionally low actuation force along with pronounced feedback that makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging. Its snappy and invigorating feel aims to maintain responsiveness, making it particularly well-suited for gaming where quick inputs are crucial.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. While both provide a lively and clacky auditory experience, the Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a smoother and more comfortable typing session, making it well-suited for extended use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes quick reactions, making it an excellent choice for gamers who need responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your specific typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a vibrant auditory experience along with a smooth typing feel—particularly for extended typing sessions—then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, with its slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams, offers a satisfying poppy sound and an easy-to-press design. This makes it a compelling option for everyday tasks, casual gaming, or a more tactile typing experience. Alternatively, if you are a gamer seeking maximum responsiveness for rapid, high-speed inputs, the Vintage Citrus switch could be your best bet. With its exceptionally low actuation force and only 1mm travel before actuation, it facilitates quick key presses and offers an invigorating feel. The distinctive clacky sound can enhance your gaming experience, making each keystroke feel exciting. Thus, weigh your priorities; if smooth, comfortable typing with a pleasant sound profile is what you desire, the Akko V3 may serve you well; however, for swift, responsive gaming sessions, the HMX Vintage Citrus is likely to provide the performance you crave.
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