Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an appealing option for budget-conscious keyboard enthusiasts, known for its satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth, creamy tactile feel. This linear switch excels in delivering an auditory experience that adds enjoyment to your typing while being easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and snappy. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers an elevated typing experience with its unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustics and a POM stem that produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This heavy variant of the classic Xinhai switch combines subtle sophistication with precise performance, making it a great choice for users seeking a refined touch with heavier actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, making them excellent choices depending on your specific needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy), notable distinctions emerge, particularly regarding their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a more resonant sound, which is particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is used, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) comes equipped with a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This leads to a more muted auditory experience that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, utilize nylon, which is widely recognized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a more rounded and fuller sound profile. Both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) harness the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their respective bottom housings, suggesting that the typing experience in terms of auditory feedback will be remarkably similar. When pressed, both switches will provide a consistent feel characterized by the soft plastic, ensuring that users will encounter a satisfying and controlled bottom-out sound regardless of the switch's top housing material.
In summary, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a unified experience when it comes to sound absorption and feedback. Users who appreciate the deep, dull sound associated with nylon can expect similar results from either switch in terms of bottom-out consistency. However, the decision may ultimately rest on the preference for the sharper sound dynamics provided by the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro against the more rounded auditory experience of the nylon top housing in the Xinhai (Heavy).
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, caters to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Despite being medium in force, the heavier push of the Xinhai (Heavy) may provide a more satisfying feedback for some users. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro measuring 3.3 mm and the Xinhai (Heavy) at 3.4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has the shorter travel distance, and gamers who favor quicker response times would likely prefer this option. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy)'s slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, as it offers a bit more depth in each keystroke. While both switches fall within a similar range, the nuances in their travel distances could influence user experience and preference, making it essential to choose based on personal typing style and responsiveness needs.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 switch is known for its cute poppy and clacky auditory feedback, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a vibrant and engaging sound profile. This can create an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who want to make their keystrokes audible in a lively way. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch provides a different auditory experience, featuring softer acoustics thanks to its PA12 top housing, which results in a more understated sound profile. The use of a POM stem in the Xinhai switch lends it a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that contributes to a sophisticated acoustic signature. Overall, while the two switches produce distinctly different sound profiles, the final auditory experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers an array of attributes that cater well to users seeking a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Descriptions of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro include being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and snappy, indicating a low actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue while providing dynamic feedback. This makes it an excellent option for extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. However, the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is not specified in the provided information, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile characteristics. Nonetheless, if the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a heavier actuation than the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, it may provide a different tactile experience that could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is characterized by its lively sound and responsive, comfortable typing feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more subdued auditory experience that may cater to users looking for sophistication and strength in their switches. The differences in sound profiles set the stage for varied auditory preferences, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its inviting tactile response. Without specific details about the Xinhai's feel, it's challenging to draw a complete comparison, but each switch has its unique appeal that will resonate with different typing preferences and styles. Ultimately, your choice will likely come down to whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will ultimately depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you seek an engaging auditory experience with a balance of satisfaction and smoothness, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for you. Its poppy and clacky sound, combined with a feathery, snappy feel, makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who enjoy a vibrant typing experience. Furthermore, its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it relatively easy to press, which is perfect for long hours of gaming or typing without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation and a more sophisticated sound signature, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the switch to consider. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a firmer feel, providing a precise and crisp response that caters to those who appreciate a more controlled typing experience. Its unique construction gives it a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively higher-pitched resonance that can complement a more nuanced typing style. Thus, your decision should hinge on the typing experience you value most—lively and responsive with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, or precise and refined with the Xinhai (Heavy).
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