Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The V3 Crystal Pro is celebrated for its fully polycarbonate construction, which not only delivers a polished, silky smooth typing experience but also produces a bright and chirpy sound signature that makes each keystroke enjoyable, especially for typists who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm that enables rapid, responsive input—making it a game-changer in high-speed scenarios. This switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to gameplay. Both switches emphasize smoothness in operation, yet their unique characteristics cater to different needs—whether for an immersive typing experience or rapid gaming response. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we see a distinct divergence in their compositions that influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness. Users who favor a more vibrant acoustic experience, particularly under RGB lighting conditions, might find this switch appealing because of the material's translucency, which allows for enhanced illumination effects. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, promotes sound absorption, producing a deeper and fuller aural experience. Therefore, while both switches effectively deliver their respective sound profiles, the V3 Crystal Pro leans towards brightness and clarity, while the Vintage Citrus provides warmth and depth.
The functionality of these materials further differentiates the two switches, affecting how the tactile feedback is perceived during use. In the V3 Crystal Pro, the polycarbonate construction allows for a clear resonance that enhances the sound produced during the keypress, making the experience agile and effervescent. On the other hand, the nylon housings of the Vintage Citrus mute some of the acoustic vibrations, yielding a more rounded sound that some typists may find more satisfying and comfortable during extended use. This distinction plays a significant role in the overall typing experience: while the Crystal Pro emphasizes clarity and punchiness, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes a plush, cushioned feel.
Ultimately, though these switches utilize different materials, achieving similar sound results could be feasible through careful selection of typing techniques and usage environments. While the polycarbonate and nylon materials yield different acoustic behaviors, users can manipulate their typing style to emphasize or soften these characteristics. For instance, one might type more delicately on the Crystal Pro to avoid overly sharp sounds or increase pressure on the Vintage Citrus to bring forth more pronounced tonal qualities. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, and users can experiment with their approaches to maximize the benefits of the unique housing materials of each switch.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch both feature an identical actuation force of 48 grams, meaning users will experience similar ease of keystrokes when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the V3 Crystal Pro has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus, which bottoms out at 53 grams. This makes the Vintage Citrus the lighter option, contributing to a softer overall feel that may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches offer the same actuation force, their divergent bottom out forces cater to different user preferences regarding typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Crystal Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This indicates that the V3 Crystal Pro provides a deeper key press, which might appeal to those who prefer a more tactile response when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3 mm travel of the Vintage Citrus is likely to offer a quicker actuation, catering to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you desire an ample key press with a hearty depth, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro would be the preferable choice, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus suits those who favor a more immediate and responsive feel.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus 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 switch has a distinctively bright and chirpy acoustic profile. This characteristic sound signature, defined by a slight squeak, creates a lively auditory experience that sets it apart from many other switches. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, which enhances the overall gaming experience with a more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches are likely to exhibit these sound qualities in a meaningful way, though the specific sounds they produce can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro switches provide a bouncy and polished typing experience. The bouncy nature adds a spring-like feedback sensation, giving typists a lively and responsive feel with a satisfying rebound. Additionally, the polished finish results in smooth key travel, minimizing friction due to the quality of the materials and potential factory lubrication. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch are somewhat sparse, making it difficult to make a precise comparison. However, considering it is designed specifically for gamers, one can expect it to offer a smooth input experience, especially with its low actuation force aimed at rapid inputs.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches boast unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different typing experiences. The V3 Crystal Pro’s chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel provide an engaging version of tactile feedback, while the Vintage Citrus offers a bright, clacky auditory element and potentially a smooth experience tailored for fast-paced gaming. Each switch will deliver nuanced results based on an individual’s preferences, and the differences highlighted indicate that they cater to slightly distinct needs and aesthetics in the mechanical keyboard realm.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and use case. If you lean toward a typing experience that is characterized by a vibrant and chirpy sound, along with a medium bottom-out force that delivers a nicely bouncy and polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro would be a great choice for you. It's ideal for everyday typing and offers a delightful tactile feedback that many find enjoyable. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for gaming, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with a lower actuation force and a quick 1mm actuation distance that enables rapid keystrokes. Its bright, clacky sound profile complements fast-paced action, making it preferable for gamers who need precision and swift reflexes. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you seek a smooth and lively typing sensation or a fast and snappy response in competitive gaming settings.
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