Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Poro both offer unique benefits that appeal to different users. The V3 Crystal Pro is celebrated for its fully polycarbonate construction, delivering a bright and chirpy sound profile that adds an engaging auditory dimension to typing. Its bouncy and polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a lively sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Poro sets itself apart with an ultra-light actuation force that facilitates an effortlessly smooth keystroke, thanks to its meticulous lubrication. This switch boasts a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for users who value a quieter and more refined typing experience while still enjoying tactile sensations. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and sensory feedback, but to make the best choice, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch is the perfect fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Poro switches present a distinct contrast in sound profiles due to their differing compositions. The V3 Crystal Pro features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure enhances resonance and maintains clarity, making it excellent for scenarios where RGB lighting is utilized, as its translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. This choice of material ensures that users can enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience, particularly at the moment the key is released.
Conversely, the HMX Poro employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, delivering a sound that is deeper and fuller in tone. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a sound profile that is rounder and less piercing. This characteristic may provide users with a more comfortable typing experience, especially during extensive use. The nylon construction gives the Poro switches a unique auditory character that is marked by warmth and reduced sharpness, differentiating it significantly from the V3 Crystal Pro.
Despite the differences, both switches can achieve a satisfactory range of sound profiles through their materials. If the top and bottom housings possess contrasting materials, as is the case between the V3 Crystal Pro’s polycarbonate and the Poro’s nylon, the overall auditory experience will reflect a mixture of both materials' properties. Users may appreciate the sharper release sounds provided by the polycarbonate top combined with the deep bottom-out sounds of the nylon bottom in the Poro switches—or vice versa, depending on their preferences. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or nylon, similar results can be attained by adjusting other factors, such as switch design or the use of sound dampening materials, to create a suitable balance for each individual's tactile and auditory needs.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference makes the Poro a more suitable choice for users seeking a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the V3 Crystal Pro, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback, with the Akko switch providing a firmer feel and the HMX Poro offering a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the V3 Crystal Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Poro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Poro might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed, the V3 Crystal Pro is your go-to option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance, with the V3 Crystal Pro being the longer option and the Poro being the shorter one.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Poro linear switches, there’s a distinct divergence in their acoustic characteristics. The V3 Crystal Pro features a bright and chirpy sound signature, producing a unique squeak as you type, which adds a lively and engaging auditory element to the experience. In contrast, while the sound profile of the HMX Poro is known to be poppy and clacky, it is also characterized as being more subdued yet satisfying, providing a pleasing auditory feedback with each keystroke. This contrast means that users might find the V3 Crystal Pro to be more suited for those who enjoy an audible typing experience, while the Poro may appeal to individuals seeking a quieter but still enjoyable sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro stands out for its bouncy and polished tactile sensations. The bouncy nature of the switch offers a lively spring-like feedback that can enhance typing speed and enjoyment, making it feel responsive and dynamic. The polished finish further augments this experience, providing a smooth glide with reduced friction, which contributes to effortless keystrokes. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated for effortless glide, but lacks a detailed description of its tactile feedback. Therefore, while both switches promise smooth typing experiences, the specifics of the Poro’s tactile sensation remain less defined.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Poro linear switches cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The V3 Crystal Pro provides a chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished feel that may be ideal for those who prioritize lively acoustics and a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a quieter yet still poppy sound profile, with an emphasis on silky smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, users' choices may lean toward the distinct sound and feel of the V3 Crystal Pro or the refined smoothness of the HMX Poro, depending on their typing style and acoustic preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy the engaging, chirpy sound profile that the V3 Crystal Pro offers, you'll likely appreciate the bouncy feedback and polished smoothness of these switches during both typing and gaming sessions. Their unique polycarbonate construction not only impacts the auditory experience but also elevates the overall tactile enjoyment, making them suitable for users who want a lively typing environment. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Poro switch may be your ideal choice. These switches are designed for effortless keystrokes, combining that ultra-light actuation force with meticulous lubrication for a smooth glide. The poppy sound profile may cater to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory cue, making it a great option for fast typists or gamers who crave quick and responsive feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels comfortable and satisfying, whether it’s the vibrant response of the Crystal Pro or the effortless elegance of the Poro.
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