Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Twilight both present appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro is notable for its fully polycarbonate construction, which lends a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a polished, bouncy feel that many typists find satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback combined with a silky smooth keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Twilight offers a unique feature with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, producing a quieter sound profile while still delivering the distinctive clacky feel characteristic of HMX switches. This switch may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience without sacrificing the enjoyment of a tactile response. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the V3 Crystal Pro emphasizing sound and texture, while the Twilight focuses on travel distance and sound dampening. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.85 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
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Twilight, a noticeable distinction lies in their housing materials. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which leads to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, allowing for a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting but also ensures that the bright colors shine through vividly. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which gives a deeper, fuller sound profile that is softer and more absorbed due to nylon’s comparatively pliable nature. Ultimately, the choice between these two materials results in differing auditory experiences: the sharper, more vibrant tones of polycarbonate versus the warmer, rounded sounds produced by nylon.
The differences in sound profiles between the V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Twilight highlight how material choice significantly affects a switch’s acoustic performance. For the V3 Crystal Pro, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows it to produce a more pronounced sound, particularly during key releases. This means that while typing on the V3, users may find their experience characterized by clarity and punchiness. On the other hand, when engaging with the HMX Twilight’s nylon housing, users will likely experience a more muted and softer typing sound, as the material absorbs vibrations, resulting in a more subdued acoustic reflection. Thus, each switch caters to different preferences—those who prioritize sharpness may favor the V3 Crystal Pro, while those who enjoy a more muted tone may lean toward the HMX Twilight.
Despite their contrasting materials and resultant sound profiles, there are inherent similarities in the acoustic properties due to the structural integrity of each switch design. If the V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Twilight were to blend their housing materials, users could experiment with achieving a more balanced sound experience. For instance, implementing polycarbonate in the top housing of the Twilight could elevate its brightness, whereas utilizing nylon in the V3 could introduce a softer quality to its acoustic output. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound enables users to make informed decisions based on their personal preferences, demonstrating that various configurations can yield similar auditory experiences while still maintaining unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Crystal Pro requires an actuation force of 48 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lower force makes the Twilight more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage and bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you favor a lighter touch and quicker actuation, the Twilight is ideal, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the V3 Crystal Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Twilight measures 3.85 mm. This makes the V3 Crystal Pro the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Twilight at 3.85 mm might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. While both switches are close in travel distance, this slight difference can influence user experience, with the V3 Crystal Pro offering a sharper response and the Twilight providing a deeper engagement.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 Crystal Pro linear switch is characterized by a bright and chirpy sound signature, distinguished by a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. This unique acoustic quality is largely influenced by its fully polycarbonate construction, which contributes to the overall vibrancy of the sound. On the other hand, while the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, it is described as being slightly quieter than the V3 Crystal Pro. The Twilight maintains a more subdued acoustic profile but is noted for retaining the "clacky" characteristics typical of HMX switches, suggesting a sound that may lack the unique chirp found in the V3 but still offers a distinct auditory experience compared to more muted switches.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Crystal Pro excels with a delightful combination of bouncy and polished attributes. The bouncy nature of the switch provides a spring-like feedback when pressed, giving users a lively sensation that enhances typing enjoyment. Coupling this with its polished finish, the switch promotes a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction during key travel and allowing for effortless actuation. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch remains unspecified, which suggests that it might not distinctly stand out compared to the notable qualities of the V3 Crystal Pro.
In summary, while both the V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Twilight switches offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro's chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel may attract users seeking tactile feedback and a vibrant typing experience. Conversely, the Twilight's quieter operation and extended travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle auditory interaction. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, one might choose the V3 Crystal Pro for its lively characteristics or the HMX Twilight for a more restrained approach, while both types can deliver satisfying results through their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force, a bright and chirpy sound signature, and a lively, bouncy tactile sensation, the V3 Crystal Pro is your go-to. Its polycarbonate construction not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a silky smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive sound while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel during typing, the HMX Twilight with its 50 grams bottom-out force and extended travel distance is likely to be more suited to you. Its slightly quieter sound complements a smoother performance, making it perfect for long hours of typing where you want to reduce noise without sacrificing any responsiveness. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, desired sound profile, and the overall feel of the switches to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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