HMX Perky vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky 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 switches, the HMX Perky and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both present compelling options, yet they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, these switches offer a more condensed feel, making them excellent for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered specifically for gamers, providing a light actuation force and a smooth keystroke that glides effortlessly with a uniquely pleasing bassy sound. The V3 Silver Pro's design enhances performance in high-stakes gaming scenarios where fast execution is crucial. While both switches are linear and share the advantage of shortened travel distances, the HMX Perky leans more towards a feel-oriented typing experience, whereas the Akko V3 Silver Pro is firmly geared for competitive gameplay. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Perky and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a notable distinction is found in their top housings; the Perky employs nylon while the V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Perky tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, characterized by a softer and more absorbent material that dampens vibrations, thus leading to rounder audio output. In contrast, the polycarbonate top of the V3 Silver Pro allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigid characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the acoustic feedback from the switch, appealing particularly to users who prioritize a bright soundscape in their typing experience. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the V3 also complements RGB lighting well, offering a visually striking appearance that highlights the illumination.
On the other end, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which contributes to a uniformity in sound profile when it comes to bottoming out. The softness of the nylon in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound for both the HMX Perky and Akko V3 Silver Pro. This shared material allows both switches to maintain some common acoustic qualities, thereby offering users a satisfying typing experience devoid of harsh sound spikes during the key press release. Consequently, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in dictating how the switches feel and sound when the keys are fully pressed down.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials create a significant contrast in sound profiles between the two switches, while the similarity in bottom housing material leads to consistent performance with a softer, muted sound upon bottoming out. Users selecting the HMX Perky will enjoy a warmer overall sound profile, while those opting for the Akko V3 Silver Pro will appreciate a brighter, clearer auditory experience. In essence, those who favor a fuller sound can achieve similar results with either switch by focusing on the bottom housing's nylon material, which retains a significant influence over the type of feedback experienced during use.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Perky switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro requires less force to initiate a keystroke and bottoms out with slightly less pressure than the Perky switch. Consequently, users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the V3 Silver Pro, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might lean towards the Perky. Overall, both switches fall into the lighter end of the scale, catering to users who value a more effortless keystroke, but the V3 Silver Pro edges out as the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we find that the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Perky the longer option, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress feel that can provide a satisfying depth during typing or gaming. In contrast, those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation might prefer the V3 Silver Pro due to its shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, while both switches offer effective performance, the choice between them would depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness, with the Perky's longer travel providing a more substantial touch, and the V3 Silver Pro offering a snappier experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 Perky linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous, as its acoustic qualities are not explicitly detailed. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are characterized by a high-pitched sound profile. They produce a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that appeals to those who prefer a more defined sound when typing. The bassy tone that the Perky claims to deliver could be less pronounced compared to the V3 Silver Pro, which might be ideal for users who enjoy a more lively auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound produced may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Perky switch provides a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience attributed to its softer, glittery nylon housings. The typing experience is condensed thanks to its shorter travel distance, which could lead to a more responsive feel. The Akko V3 Silver Pro switches, on the other hand, excel in creating a feather-light typing experience. They feature easy actuation with gentle resistance, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions, which is beneficial for gaming scenarios. The combination of creamy, polished, and silky descriptors suggests that the V3 Silver Pro offers a refined and luxurious feel, making it exceptionally smooth to operate. These properties may cater differently to users' preferences, but both switches seem to prioritize comfort and performance.
In summary, while the HMX Perky and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches each present unique characteristics, they share a fundamental focus on enhancing typing performance through reduced travel distance. The V3 Silver Pro leans toward a sharper auditory experience and offers a more nuanced tactile feel, while the Perky delivers a satisfying neutrality that appeals to various users. Thus, depending on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, both switches could provide a satisfying experience tailored to different needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Perky and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, particularly for long hours of general use, the HMX Perky might be the perfect choice for you. With its light actuation force of 50 grams, shorter travel distance, and a unique nylon housing that lends a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, it’s an excellent option for typing enthusiasts looking for reduced finger fatigue while enjoying a smooth and polished experience. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer seeking quick response times and an engaging auditory experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would serve you better. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams, combined with its designed-for-gaming performance and high-pitched, bassy sound, can enhance your gameplay by ensuring that every keystroke is instant and effortless. In summary, opt for the HMX Perky for a relaxed, refined typing experience, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro is ideal for fast-paced gaming or environments where speed is paramount.
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