HMX Hibiscus vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and Akko V3 Silver Pro present two compelling options, each with its own unique advantages. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unmatched smoothness and a typing experience that many enthusiasts consider unparalleled. With an ultra-light actuation force, these switches cater to those who prioritize a satisfying, clacky sound with a poppy and crispy character, making them ideal for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are meticulously designed with gamers in mind; their light actuation force and shortened travel distance allow for swift keystrokes that can make a significant difference in competitive scenarios. Accompanied by a rich, bassy sound, these switches aim to enhance reaction times while providing a creamy and polished feel. While both switches offer distinct benefits tailored to different user preferences—whether for typing or gaming—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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, notable differences arise in the top housing composition. The Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound during typing. This is primarily due to nylon's softer plastic characteristics, which absorb sound, leading to a more muted auditory experience. On the contrary, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for enhancing auditory feedback during keystrokes, especially in setups with RGB lighting that takes advantage of its translucency.
Looking at the bottom housing, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are aligned with nylon construction. This commonality in material leads to a similar auditory experience when keys are bottomed out, with both switches producing a deeper and rounder sound when pressed fully. The properties of nylon contribute to the overall tactile feedback felt during the typing experience, allowing for a soft landing that resonates with users who prefer a more subdued sound profile. Thus, while the top and bottom housings vary in material, their design combines to create a distinctive sound and feel across both switches.
Overall, the diverging characteristics of the top housings in the HMX Hibiscus and Akko V3 Silver Pro yield an interesting juxtaposition in sound dynamics. While the Hibiscus elicits a fuller sound from its nylon top housing, the sharper tones of the polycarbonate found in the V3 Silver Pro create a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, both switches share a common nylon bottom housing, which tempers the effects of their differing top materials by providing a consistent foundation for sound. Consequently, users can expect a unique yet comparable typing experience, with the Hibiscus emphasizing warmth and depth while the V3 Silver Pro highlights clarity and brightness.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both switches are light and showcase similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus requires a 42-gram actuation force and bottoms out at 48 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and bottoms out at 45 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter of the two options, providing a slightly lower push feel overall. Both switches cater well to users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing periods, making them suitable for work or long gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a heftier typing experience, neither option would be ideal, as both switches lean towards being on the lighter side, yet the Hibiscus does provide a marginally stronger bottom out feel than the V3 Silver Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Hibiscus switch offers a more pronounced keystroke feel, appealing to users who favor a deeper typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro caters to gamers and those who prefer a quicker response time with its more shallow travel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences: if you appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the HMX Hibiscus would be the better option, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro may be the ideal choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 HMX Hibiscus switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that many typists find appealing. This auditory feedback creates an engaging typing experience, making every keystroke feel lively and responsive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a distinctively pleasant bassy sound, designed to enhance the gaming experience with its deep auditory cues. While the Hibiscus focuses on a higher-pitched, more sparkling tone, both switches capitalize on their unique sound characteristics to provide an engaging atmosphere, although they cater to slightly different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch provides an exceptionally smooth and pristine typing experience, positioning it as a rare treasure among switches. Its light actuation force aligns closely with the design considerations of the Akko V3 Silver Pro, which is engineered for effortlessly easy pressing. The V3 Silver Pro excels with its creamy, feathery, and polished attributes, delivering a silky sensation on each keystroke. This ensures comfort during extended typing sessions, mitigating finger fatigue. The Hibiscus, with its ultra-light actuation force, complements this by offering a similarly effortless typing feel, catering to those who prioritize smooth interactions with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches represent exceptional choices tailored to specific user preferences. While the Hibiscus shines with its unique sound signature and ultra-smooth feel, the V3 Silver Pro stands out through its gamer-centric design that prioritizes speed and comfort. Users will find that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between them may ultimately boil down to individual sound and sensory preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between HMX Hibiscus linear switches and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences in typing or gaming. If you prioritize an exquisitely smooth and refined typing experience with a satisfying sound profile that includes clacky, poppy, and crispy notes, the Hibiscus switch is an excellent choice. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 48 grams may also provide a bit more tactile feedback, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a gentle resistance while typing or for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking quick response times and minimal travel distance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro shines with its ultra-light actuation force of only 45 grams and its creamy, feathery texture, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The pleasing bassy sound can enhance your overall gaming experience while minimizing finger fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a luxurious typing feel and sound or whether you value speed and response time for gaming scenarios.
Mentioned in this article
