HMX Jelly vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience, and two standout linear options are the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, complemented by a super smooth feel thanks to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes the Jelly an excellent choice for those who prefer a satisfying auditory feedback without the fuss of tactile bumps. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are meticulously engineered with gamers in mind. Known for their light actuation force and shortened travel distance, these switches facilitate rapid keystrokes while producing a pleasing bassy sound, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. While both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences—ranging from a more acoustic typing experience with the Jelly to the quick responsiveness of the V3 Silver Pro—each serves its own audience well. However, 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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it becomes evident that the two switches adopt different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound vibrations, resulting in a dulled and rounded audio output. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound. This sharper audio experience is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, allowing for clearer sound resonance. Therefore, if you prefer a warmer sound, the Jelly may be your best choice, while the V3 Silver Pro might cater to those seeking a brighter auditory experience.
Interestingly, both the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize the same material—nylon—for their bottom housings. This commonality creates a unifying factor in their performance characteristics, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the variations in the top materials. This means that when experiencing the switch's tactile and auditory feedback, users will encounter a similar sound quality stemming from the nylon bottom housing in both switches. Thus, while the top housings diverge significantly in terms of material and sound output, the nylon bottom ensures a degree of consistency in both models.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials deliver distinct auditory experiences, while the shared nylon bottom housing creates common ground in terms of sound quality. If one were to analyze the overall auditory experience when activating the switches, the sound produced during keypresses would indeed reflect the nylon bottom's dampening effects, which steers both switches towards a fuller sound experience when bottoming out. Conversely, the release phase sound would highlight the contrasting qualities of the top materials, allowing users to appreciate the nuanced soundscape each switch creates. This combination could lead to varied yet complementary outcomes, appealing to both lovers of deep sounds and those preferring crisp tones in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both exhibit relatively light force specifications that cater to different typing preferences. The Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the V3 Silver Pro the lighter option overall. Both switches have actuation and bottom out forces that are close in range, resulting in a similar typing experience for users who prefer lighter switches. However, the HMX Jelly feels marginally heavier, providing that more substantial push for tactile feedback, while the V3 Silver Pro may offer an even smoother experience for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lesser required force. Overall, both switches will deliver a comfortable experience, but the V3 Silver Pro stands out for those who lean toward lighter setups.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the HMX Jelly offers a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference in distance may influence the tactile experience for users; those who favor a more responsive feel, typical in gaming scenarios, might lean towards the V3 Silver Pro for its shorter travel, promoting quicker actuation. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Jelly switch, which provides a more substantial travel experience. In summary, if you value swiftness and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro's shorter travel distance may be the better choice, while the HMX Jelly suits those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its deep, thocky sound signature, offering a low-pitched auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This is achieved through its excellent factory lubrication, which contributes to the overall richness of the sound produced. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch presents a higher-pitched tone, producing a sharp and crisp sound when engaged. While the Jelly's bassy thock might be favored by some for its depth, those who enjoy a lighter, crisper auditory profile may find the V3 Silver Pro more appealing. Sound performance can also vary depending on the choice of keyboard build and keycaps, which is an important consideration for both switches.
In terms of feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth operation, likely a result of its factory lubrication, making it incredibly pleasant to type on. This switch has a lightweight actuation force of 42g, which allows for a comfortable typing experience without causing finger fatigue over prolonged use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered specifically for gaming, featuring a light actuation force, smooth key travel, and a polished, creamy feel. It is designed to provide an easy-to-press experience, making it effortless to engage keys quickly, an essential aspect for gamers who rely on rapid inputs. Both switches offer a noticeably smooth typing experience, but the Jelly may feel slightly more tactile due to its weight, whereas the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for speed and responsiveness.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch exhibit strengths that cater to different preferences. The Jelly's low-pitched sound and smoothness provide a rich typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a higher-pitched tone and a rapid-response feel. If prioritizing a deeper sound and mellow typing experience, the Jelly would be preferred, whereas gamers looking for a quick, responsive option might lean towards the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, both switches are excellent in their own right, and personal preference will play a significant role in determining which is the better option for any individual user.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch should depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're drawn to a more tactile and auditory experience while typing and enjoy a low-pitched thocky sound, the HMX Jelly is likely the better fit for you. Its smooth, creamy feel and lightweight actuation force make it ideal for long typing sessions, providing a satisfying sensation without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you are primarily focused on gaming and need every millisecond to count, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed specifically for that purpose. With their high-pitched sound, easy-to-press design, and shortened travel distance, these switches will provide a quick and responsive feel, enhancing your gaming performance. Ultimately, you're choosing between a rich auditory experience and a performance-optimized feel, so consider how you plan to use your keyboard to make the best decision.
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