Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Swift both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro is praised for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, coupled with a delicate 42g actuation force. While the V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and polished feel, the Swift is known for being easy-to-press and feathery. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Swift use nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom of the switch. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound profile produced while typing on either keyboard. The nylon material is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some users may find more satisfying.
While both keyboards utilize nylon for their housing materials, it's important to note that the design and construction of the housing can still impact the overall typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro and the Swift may have different designs and build qualities that can affect how the nylon housing material enhances the sound profile of the switches. Factors such as key travel distance, actuation force, and keycap material can also play a role in the overall typing feel and sound produced by the switches.
Overall, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Swift switches suggests that both keyboards prioritize creating a typing experience that emphasizes a deep and full sound profile. While the specific design and construction of each keyboard may vary, the shared use of nylon housing materials means that users can expect a similar level of sound quality and typing satisfaction regardless of which keyboard they choose.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it slightly more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Piano Pro requires 55 grams of force, while the Swift only needs 50 grams, making the Swift switch slightly lighter and easier to press all the way down. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience with their medium-light actuation forces, but the Swift switch may be more comfortable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the V3 Piano Pro may appeal more to users who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant to most users, as both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keypresses may find the V3 Piano Pro more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is best described as having a clacky and resonant sound signature, offering a sharp and snappy experience with higher-pitched tones. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch also presents a clacky sound profile but with a deeper tone thanks to its full nylon housings. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that can add to the typing experience, with the V3 Piano Pro offering a livelier, crisp quality and the Swift delivering a smoother, silkier sound.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a variety of sensations such as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These features provide a spring-like feedback, a smooth and buttery typing experience, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth key travel respectively. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch provides an easy-to-press feel with gentle resistance, a feathery touch that requires minimal exertion from your fingers, bouncy keys for lively feedback, and a creamy sensation for a smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a range of tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Taking into account the information provided, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch bring their own unique characteristics to the table. While the V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a snappy and lively sound signature alongside a pleasing tactile experience, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and delicate actuation force. In terms of feel, the V3 Piano Pro offers bouncy and silky sensations, while the HMX Swift provides an easy-to-press and feathery touch. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for those seeking specific sound and feel preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for keystroke feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a silky smooth feel and a deeper sound profile, the Swift switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and which characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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