Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Deep Navy both cater to the discerning typist but offer distinct experiences that can significantly impact your typing pleasure. The V3 Crystal Pro switches are renowned for their unique polycarbonate construction, which not only contributes to their bright and chirpy sound signature but also ensures a bouncy and polished feel, making them ideal for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches are crafted from full nylon, delivering a rich and sharp sound profile accompanied by silky smoothness, perfect for users who prefer a more subdued yet equally enjoyable typing experience. While both switches are linear and provide a smooth keystroke, the choice between them may ultimately depend on your personal sound preference and tactile sensations. 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
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Deep Navy differ fundamentally in their housing materials, which significantly influences the sound profiles they produce. The V3 Crystal Pro features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer a more resonant and clear auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which tends to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience, which is ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
Despite the differences in the materials used for the housing, both switches can deliver unique user experiences based on their respective designs. The V3 Crystal Pro's consistent polycarbonate construction ensures that the sharper sound profile is felt both when key presses bottom out and when the key is released. This clear resonance is accentuated by the stiffer nature of the plastic, creating a cohesive sound experience. The HMX Deep Navy, with its nylon housings, will provide a consistent deeper sound for both the bottoming out and releasing of keys, making it particularly appealing for those who value a softer and more muted acoustics in their typing experience.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Deep Navy utilize different materials, users can achieve similar satisfaction in key responsiveness and typing feel by understanding how each material affects sound. If one prefers the sharper clarity of polycarbonate, the V3 Crystal Pro will be the favored choice, whereas the HMX Deep Navy will cater better to those who enjoy the rounder, fuller tones produced by nylon. Each switch’s unique characteristics create distinct auditory profiles, allowing users to select a switch that best fits their preferences even amidst contrasting material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch to the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch, ideal for users seeking a gentler typing feel that allows for longer periods of use without fatigue. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch that promotes ease during extended sessions, the Deep Navy is the better choice, while the V3 Crystal Pro offers a heavier, more tactile option for users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the V3 Crystal Pro measures 3.8 mm, while the Deep Navy has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the V3 Crystal Pro offers a deeper keypress, which could be more appealing to users who prefer the tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Deep Navy, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, aligns with current gaming preferences for quicker response times, making it ideal for rapid key presses. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the V3 Crystal Pro is the longer option and the Deep Navy, with its more responsive but abbreviated travel distance, represents the shorter choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy 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 Crystal Pro linear switches deliver a bright and chirpy acoustic profile, characterized by a distinct squeak that sets them apart from many other switches. This lively sound can bring a unique charm to your typing experience, but it's important to note that the overall sound signature can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches feature a rich and sharp sound profile attributed to their full nylon construction, which promises a deeper resonance compared to the Crystal Pro's more animated output. However, sound characteristics can vary significantly based on the keyboard build, so the ultimate auditory experience may differ even among switches with their noted qualities.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches stand out with their bouncy and polished nature. The bouncy quality provides a spring-like feedback that enhances the perception of responsiveness, making each keystroke a lively interaction. The polished finish contributes to a smooth typing experience, minimizing friction and allowing for fluid key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches are designed to offer silky smoothness thanks to their Ly stem, ensuring that every keystroke feels effortless as it glides down without harsh interruptions. While the Deep Navy's exact tactile feedback and rebound characteristics are not specified, the smoothness implies a focus on a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Deep Navy linear switches promise a luxurious typing experience, they cater to slightly different auditory and tactile preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro excels in its chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, making it a vibrant choice for those who appreciate lively feedback. Meanwhile, the Deep Navy introduces a rich auditory depth coupled with a silky touch, focusing more on smoothness without specific tactile descriptors. Ultimately, the choice between them may come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, as both options can deliver satisfying performances in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a bouncy and responsive typing experience, with a medium actuation force that provides a satisfying rebound, the V3 Crystal Pro is an excellent choice. Its chirpy sound signature, combined with a fully polycarbonate construction, creates a lively atmosphere, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a distinctive acoustic experience while they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bit less force required to bottom out, the Deep Navy switch could be more to your liking. Its full nylon construction delivers a rich and sharp sound, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable typing session. Ultimately, if you're seeking a blend of sweetness in sound with an overall polished feel, opt for the Crystal Pro; however, if you lean towards a more refined and understated experience with minimal force exertion, the Deep Navy would be your ideal match.
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