HMX KD200 vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a distinctive auditory feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy for its tactile response. This switch is characterized by its unique sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro has been specifically engineered for gamers, boasting features such as a light actuation force and shortened travel distance. This allows for lightning-fast responses, making it ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro produces a smooth, pleasing bassy sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches offer linear action, they cater to different preferences and needs in terms of sound and performance. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a clear distinction arises between their top housings. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This quality allows it to absorb sound more efficiently, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate facilitates greater clarity and resonance, making it particularly suited to enhance the auditory feedback of a keystroke. Aesthetically, this transparency also makes polycarbonate advantageous for RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion.
Regarding the bottom housings, both switches feature nylon materials that yield a similar sound characteristic. The KD200 and V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile that absorbs sound well, leading to a more muted bottom-out feel. As the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the feel and sound when the key reaches its lowest point, the similarity here means that users can expect a cohesive experience with both switches despite the contrast in their top housing materials. This uniformity helps balance the overall auditory qualities each switch offers when pressed.
In summary, while the KD200 and V3 Silver Pro differ in their top housing materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which provides a consistent sound and feel that enhances the typing experience. The different top materials ensure that each switch delivers a unique auditory profile, with the KD200 favoring a round and subdued sound and the V3 Silver Pro leaning towards a clearer, more resonant response. Nevertheless, the bottom housing's shared material ensures that when users press the keys, they can expect a similar tactile sensation and sound quality, creating an interesting blend of contrasting and complementary characteristics in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The KD200 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Consequently, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the heavier force of the KD200 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the light category regarding their forces, but the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the V3 Silver Pro cater better to users seeking comfort and longevity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference makes the KD200 the longer of the two switches, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a deeper feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a more responsive experience, catering to gamers who prioritize quicker actuation times for their key presses. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a more substantial depth and tactile feedback, the KD200 would be the better choice, while the V3 Silver Pro might suit those who favor speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 KD200 linear switch stands out with a clangorous quality that makes it the clackiest option within the HMX Film switch family. This characteristic gives it a distinctive acoustic profile that tends to resonate more than other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a sound that is high-pitched and sharp, which might appeal to users who prefer a more crisp auditory feedback when typing. While the KD200 leans towards a more bass-heavy auditory experience, the V3 Silver Pro’s higher pitch offers a sharper soundscape. Notably, the overall sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap material, which can either enhance or dampen their inherent qualities.
In terms of feel, the KD200's sensory feedback remains less detailed, but the Akko V3 Silver Pro shines with its easy-to-press, creamy, and silky characteristics. Users can expect minimal resistance with a light actuation force, ensuring that long typing or gaming sessions do not lead to finger fatigue. This fluid and gentle typing experience is complemented by a polished finish that reduces friction, leading to smooth keystrokes. The V3 Silver Pro's design promotes a highly responsive and enjoyable typing experience, which can be critical during high-stakes gaming situations or while completing extended work tasks efficiently.
Overall, while the HMX KD200 and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer different sound profiles and feel characteristics, they cater to distinct preferences. If you appreciate a louder, more resonant typing experience, the KD200 might be your go-to. Conversely, for those who lean towards smooth, light, and responsive keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro would likely be preferable. Depending on your personal taste and use case, both switches provide unique advantages that enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch largely depends on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging sound profile, the KD200's clackiness may appeal to you, as it delivers a unique and pronounced auditory experience while you type. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams may also provide a satisfying resistance during keystrokes, making it suitable for those who prefer a more deliberate touch. On the other hand, if your primary focus is on gaming performance and rapid key responses, the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out with its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force and shorter travel distance, allowing for swift, reactively precise inputs. The creamy and silky feel of the V3 Silver Pro means that you'll experience minimal resistance and remarkable comfort during extended use, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and ease of actuation in your setup, the V3 Silver Pro would be the ideal choice, while the KD200 could enhance your experience if you prefer a richer, more resonant sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you in your keyboard experience, and choose accordingly.
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