Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches, offering a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While both switches offer a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow Pro is also described as easy-to-press and feathery, while the Xinhai is noted for its creamy feel and clacky sound. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing aesthetic. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar sound profile.
While both keyboards have polycarbonate top housings, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing differs from the Xinhai's. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile, offering a unique typing experience compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in housing materials gives each keyboard its own distinctive sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more notable when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of the switches. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that produce a clear and resonant sound, the differentiation in bottom housing material results in distinct typing experiences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Xinhai's dual use of polycarbonate provides a sharper sound. Overall, the variation in housing materials highlights how different materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where lighter switches can prevent fatigue. In conclusion, while both switches offer distinct weight profiles, users can achieve similar results depending on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the quicker actuation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel depth 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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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 linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that gives a vibrant auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch features a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem combination that produces a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Depending on your preference for sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more poppy and clacky experience, while the Xinhai offers a softer and crisper sound.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities translate into a smooth and responsive typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and minimizes fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro focuses more on responsiveness and low-impact typing, while the Xinhai emphasizes a silky sensation and ease of keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and snappy feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and responsive typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a softer acoustics profile with a higher-pitched resonance and a creamy, smooth feel that emphasizes comfort and ease of keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound along with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, a softer acoustics profile with a higher-pitched resonance, and a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Xinhai switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely and enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey!
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