HMX Jelly vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out as notable linear options, each offering unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Jelly switches are celebrated for their low-pitched, deep, thocky sound, which, combined with their lightweight 42g actuation force and excellent factory lube, provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches boast a lively, snappy sound signature thanks to their long pole design, delivering a crisp auditory feedback that enhances every keystroke while still ensuring a smooth tactile feel. While the Jelly switches offer a more muted and subtle sound, ideal for a focused environment, the V3 Piano Pro appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, one notable similarity stands out: both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, whether it is used in the Jelly or the V3 Piano Pro. Because nylon is a softer plastic than many of its counterparts, it absorbs sound effectively, yielding a rounder and duller auditory characteristic when typing. As a result, users can expect a similar acoustic experience when engaging with either switch, allowing for a more enjoyable typing sensation.
Despite sharing the same housing material, the placement and interaction of these nylon housings may yield nuanced differences in performance. The top housing primarily influences the sound created during the release of a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound—the auditory feedback associated with pressing a key all the way down. This means that while both switches will produce a rich sound profile, the tactile feedback and acoustic results experienced during key press and release may feel slightly different due to the design aspects unique to each switch.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon top and bottom housings, leading to similar sound characteristics, the overall user experience might vary due to their respective designs. The impact of the bottom housing, which governs the key bottom-out feel, combined with the top housing's role in key release sound, creates a distinct combination for each switch. Therefore, although they share commonalities in material, the interaction of these components results in a unique typing experience for users of each product, reflecting the craftsmanship and engineering involved in their design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch with the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter overall, which can benefit users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and offering a more substantial push feel. This difference in force may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are designed for comfort, the HMX Jelly will likely provide a softer touch, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Jelly measures 3.8 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro measures a shorter 3.5 mm. This means that the Jelly offers a slightly deeper key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro can lead to quicker actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: those who favor a more substantial depth might lean towards the Jelly, while those seeking a snappier response may prefer the V3 Piano Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano 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 Jelly switch is noted for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, offering a satisfying auditory experience that emphasizes a more muted, yet rich acoustics during typing. This contrasts sharply with the Akko V3 Piano Pro, which is characterized by a snappy sound profile. The Piano Pro’s clacky and resonant qualities produce a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback that is crisp and lively. Together, these switches provide distinct sound experiences: the Jelly’s deep thockiness lends a solid and grounded feel, while the V3 Piano Pro’s clackiness adds an energetic dynamism to each keystroke. Keep in mind that sound characteristics can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Jelly shines with its super smooth actuation and lightweight 42g force, making it an incredibly pleasant switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The smoothness is enhanced by an excellent factory lubrication application, which contributes to an effortless keypress. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro showcases a bouncy, creamy, and polished tactile experience, providing a spring-like feedback that allows for a lively feel during use. The buttery, silky sensation alongside reduced friction makes typing on the Piano Pro feel delightfully smooth and satisfying. Both switches ensure a comfortable typing experience, albeit with different tactile characteristics that cater to varying preferences.
Overall, both the HMX Jelly and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer impressive qualities tailored for different auditory and tactile preferences. The Jelly provides a deeper, thocky sound with unmatched smoothness, ideal for those who enjoy a low-profile auditory experience. Meanwhile, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a vibrant, clacky sound combined with a bouncy and creamy feel that appeals to users seeking a lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both will yield high satisfaction regardless of style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force with a more subdued, thocky sound signature, the Jelly switches are likely to be your best choice. They provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to their excellent factory lube, making them ideal for long typing sessions or for users who enjoy a softer keystroke. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit more feedback and a lively auditory experience, the V3 Piano Pro might be the way to go. With a medium-light bottom-out force, these switches offer a snappy, clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel that can enhance gaming or fast-paced typing. Additionally, their creamy and polished texture contributes to a refined tactile experience. In essence, choose the Jelly for quieter and smoother keystrokes, and the V3 Piano Pro for an engaging and dynamic typing experience.
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