Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinctive characteristics of each option. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro, renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, offers a bright, chirpy sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a more animated typing experience. Its unique qualities allow for a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize both sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switches deliver a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound, creating a more subdued auditory experience. Thanks to its excellent factory lube and lightweight 42g actuation force, the Jelly switch offers a super smooth action that is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches provide a linear experience, they cater to different preferences in sound profile and typing feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Jelly, a significant contrast lies in their choice of plastics and the resultant acoustic profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a harder material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This crystalline clarity enhances the overall auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for users who favor crisp keystrokes and responsiveness in their typing noise. In contrast, the HMX Jelly employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material characterized by its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, giving the Jelly a more muted, rounder auditory signature. Therefore, while the V3 Crystal Pro excels in delivering bright and clear sounds, the HMX Jelly provides a more subdued and rich typing experience.
The differences in housing materials also affect the aesthetic presentation of these switches. The polycarbonate used in the V3 Crystal Pro's design lends itself to a translucent appearance, enhancing RGB lighting effects. Users looking to showcase vibrant lighting will find that the clear polycarbonate housing allows light to pass through seamlessly, resulting in a visually striking keyboard experience. Meanwhile, the nylon housing of the HMX Jelly tends to obscure internal lighting effects, creating a more understated visual profile. A user’s preference might heavily influence the choice between these two options—those who appreciate dynamic lighting may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro, while those who favor a more classic appearance may opt for the Jelly.
Despite the differing materials, the unique characteristics of each housing will influence the typing experience differently, and this will manifest in the sound and feel of the keystrokes. In a tactile sense, the stiffer polycarbonate of the V3 Crystal Pro might provide a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, while the softer nylon of the HMX Jelly might offer a more cushioned feel. If a switch includes both top and bottom housings made from the same material, such as polycarbonate in the V3 Crystal Pro, this uniformity can yield consistent acoustic properties throughout the keystroke. However, in the case of the HMX Jelly with its nylon composition, the audible experience leans towards a more rounded sound that might appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Regardless of preference, each switch’s material compositions highlight distinct auditory and tactile elements which cater to a wide array of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Jelly's lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making the Jelly more suitable for those who prefer a less forceful push, enhancing typing comfort over extended periods. Additionally, the bottom-out force for the V3 Crystal Pro is 60 grams, while the Jelly's bottom-out force is significantly lighter at 48 grams. This means that while the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, the Jelly offers a gentler experience overall. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch with a softer keystroke should gravitate towards the HMX Jelly, while those who appreciate a heavier touch may find the Akko V3 Crystal Pro more satisfying for their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch are both 3.8 mm, indicating that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed down. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect equivalent performance in terms of how far the key travels from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that whether you opt for the Akko V3 Crystal Pro or the HMX Jelly, your keystrokes will feel consistent, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer linear feedback.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch showcases a bright and chirpy acoustic signature. This characteristic, influenced by its fully polycarbonate construction, adds a distinct high-frequency element to each keystroke that can be likened to a subtle squeak. This lively sound can be quite engaging, making typing feel more dynamic. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that is generally more subdued and muted. This sound quality provides a satisfying depth that many typists find appealing, creating a more grounded auditory experience. Overall, the differences in sound between these two switches cater to different preferences; if you're seeking a higher-pitched, chirpier experience, the Crystal Pro is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a richer, thockier sound, the Jelly might be preferable.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is defined by its bouncy and polished characteristics, making it an enjoyable switch for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. The bounciness contributes to a spring-like sensation that provides a responsive feedback upon actuation. This, along with the polished nature due to quality materials and factory lubing, results in an ultra-smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction for effortless key travel. On the other hand, there is no available information about the feel of the Jelly switch. Thus, it's difficult to compare how it might stack up against the dynamic and silky sensations offered by the Crystal Pro, leaving some unknowns regarding its tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Jelly linear switches present contrasting acoustic profiles and offer distinct user experiences. The Crystal Pro stands out with a chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished feel, while the Jelly boasts a deeper, thocky sound, with its tactile qualities remaining unknown. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, these switches will cater to different typing styles, allowing you to fine-tune your mechanical keyboard experience based on what resonates with you the most.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a lively and bouncy feel, as well as a bright and chirpy sound that enhances your typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro would be an excellent choice. Its polished finish and fully polycarbonate construction ensure a silky smooth experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a lighter switch that provides a deeper thocky sound with a gentle actuation force, the HMX Jelly switch would suit you better. The Jelly’s smoothness and low-pitched acoustics offer a more subdued yet satisfying experience, perfect for quiet environments or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique experiences, so consider what matters most to you—whether it's sound profile, actuation force, or overall feel—when making your decision.
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