HMX Lucky vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and Akko V3 Silver Pro represent two compelling options for users seeking linear switch experiences, each with its unique strengths. The HMX Lucky, notable for its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a lightweight typing experience that feels neutral and deeply satisfying. It's an excellent choice for typists who prioritize comfort and a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a light actuation force and shortened travel distance that allows for rapid response times crucial in competitive scenarios. Its sound profile produces a pleasing bassy tone, adding to the overall gaming ambiance. While the Lucky is ideal for a gentle yet satisfying typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for performance and quick reactions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
POM
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 double-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lucky and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture, which effectively absorbs sound. This gives the typing experience a muted and rounded quality, offering a level of comfort for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of key presses, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience, especially in RGB setups where the clear housing allows light to pass through effectively.
The bottom housings of both switches follow a different pattern, as both utilize nylon, thereby ensuring a consistent sound quality characteristic of this material. The nylon bottom housing reinforces the deeper and fuller sound profile that both switches offer, significantly affecting the feel and sound during key bottoming out. This shared attribute in the bottom housing means that users of either switch can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing the keys down fully, providing a grounded, softer impact that is favored in many typing scenarios. Such consistency allows users to focus more on their individual preferences for the top housing materials when choosing between the two switches.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profile stemming from the top housings of the Lucky and V3 Silver Pro create varied auditory experiences, despite their shared nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Lucky ensures a duller and rounder sound, perfect for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience, while the polycarbonate top of the V3 Silver Pro caters to those seeking a pronounced sound. This deliberate contrast allows each switch to cater to distinct user preferences, demonstrating how differing materials can dramatically alter the sound dynamics even when some components remain the same, showcasing the intricate relationship between switch materials and overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both of which feature relatively light forces, several distinctions arise. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option in this comparison. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams. While both switches are designed for users who prefer lighter switches, the Lucky offers a marginally softer typing experience. This could be more appealing for those looking for a keyboard suited to long work sessions or extended gaming periods. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro provides a bit more resistance, catering to those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches are on the lighter end of the spectrum, the HMX Lucky's lower force ratings make it easier to actuate, ideal for prolonged use without fatigue.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a deeper feel with more pronounced key travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking quick key actuation. If you prefer a feeling of depth and a more deliberate keystroke, the Lucky switch would be your better option, whereas those who favor a more immediate, responsive action may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 Lucky linear switch may not be explicitly described, but it can be inferred that its softer nylon housings likely contribute to a more subdued acoustic profile. This contrasts with the Akko V3 Silver Pro, which produces a higher-pitched, crisp sound that many users enjoy for its sharpness. The V3's sound is further characterized by a bassy richness; however, it's important to note that the perceived sound can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and chosen keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Lucky switch offers an inherently neutral typing experience that is deeply satisfying, though specific descriptors for its tactile experience are lacking. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is lauded for its easy-to-press action, creamy glide, and feathery touch. These qualities enhance comfort and reduce finger fatigue during both gaming and typing, making it appealing for extended use. The overall experience with the V3 Silver Pro is polished and silky, providing a refined sensation with minimal resistance, which users often appreciate.
Considering both switches, if you prefer a more understated acoustic experience with a smooth and neutral feel, the HMX Lucky may suit you well. However, if you are drawn to a high-pitched sound that emphasizes crispness and a responsive, creamy feel for gaming, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is likely the better choice. Overall, each switch has its unique strengths, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of the choice, but they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your primary use case and typing preferences. If you seek a typing experience that is deeply satisfying and neutral, with a notably light bottom-out force of 43 grams, the Lucky is an excellent option. Its softer, glittery nylon housing contributes to a smooth, polished feel that can make long typing sessions feel effortless and comfortable, perfect for writers or those who spend significant time typing. On the other hand, if you are primarily a gamer or someone who values quick responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro, boasting a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 45 grams with a light actuation force, is designed specifically for you. The ease of press and crispy sound profile of the V3 Silver Pro enhances your gaming experience, allowing for rapid key presses with minimal delay. The creamy and silky typing feel combined with its engineered features makes it a fantastic choice for fast-paced gaming and situations where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, consider what you will be using your keyboard for most—whether it be intensive gaming or prolonged typing—and choose the switch that aligns with your needs to enhance your overall experience.
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