Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX SU present distinct options tailored to different user experiences, especially within the realm of gaming. The Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, offering a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that promotes quick and effortless keystrokes. Their pleasing bassy sound adds an appealing auditory layer to the gaming experience, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and performance. In contrast, the HMX SU switches, with their full PA12 housing and T5 stem, deliver a more subdued yet deeper sound profile, appealing to users who seek a balanced typing experience with less acoustic distraction. While both switches offer the advantages of a linear design, the Akko V3 Silver Pro shines in high-paced environments, whereas the HMX SU offers a smooth and sophisticated typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX SU, we can observe distinctive characteristics between their top housings. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and clearer. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows sound waves to resonate more effectively, enhancing the auditory experience, particularly when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing that contributes to a softer, more muted auditory experience. Nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded effect during typing. Thus, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a brighter sound due to the polycarbonate, the HMX SU provides a warmer tone from its nylon top housing.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, showcase a different scenario. Both the V3 Silver Pro and the HMX SU employ nylon for their bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is recognized for its capacity to produce a rounded sound profile, contributing to a deeper auditory experience in both switches. Consequently, both models - despite their differing top housings - can achieve similarly rich sound profiles when observed from the perspective of their bottom housings. In this sense, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience, ensuring that both switches still engage the user with a fuller typing sound and feel.
In essence, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX SU offer contrasting auditory experiences with their respective top housing materials, they share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings. The V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top delivers a punchy and bright tone, ideal for clear and articulate sound, especially complimented by RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the HMX SU's nylon top creates a more subdued sound, ideal for those who prefer a deeper auditory feel. However, both models can achieve satisfying results in terms of depth and fullness due to their nylon bottom housing, proving that even with varying sound profiles, the fundamental characteristics of the bottom housing can harmonize the overall typing sound experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both offer relatively light operating weights, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the SU switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in force means that the V3 Silver Pro is lighter and may be more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which is ideal for long writing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX SU switch, being heavier, provides a stronger tactile feedback that may appeal to users who seek a more substantial typing experience. Despite both switches being categorized as light overall, the V3 Silver Pro stands out as the lighter option, making it the better choice for those desiring less force during keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's evident that there is a notable difference. The V3 Silver Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX SU measures 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Silver Pro the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance they need to press down. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its longer travel distance, could be favored by users who appreciate a more deliberate and substantial feel when typing. This distinction illustrates the trade-offs between responsiveness and tactile feedback that users must consider when choosing between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro switches produce a high-pitched, sharp tone that can be quite engaging for users who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This high-frequency sound is complemented by the switches' bassy undertones, making them an appealing choice for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a solid acoustic profile. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switches are characterized by a more subtle, relatively deep sound profile stemming from their PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem. While the V3 Silver Pro caters to those who prefer a brighter sound, the SU presents a quieter and more muted auditory experience, which could be beneficial in environments where noise levels are a concern.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the V3 Silver Pro is designed to provide a variety of tactile experiences that enhance comfort during long typing sessions. They are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force due to their light actuation, making them ideal for rapid keystrokes in gaming. Additionally, their creamy, polished nature contributes to a buttery-smooth typing experience akin to gliding fingers over the keys, reducing fatigue during extended use. These qualities help create a responsive, low-impact feel that many users appreciate. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the HMX SU linear switches is not provided, so comparisons in this area remain undetermined.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX SU linear switches cater to different sound preferences, the V3 boasts a higher-pitched, crisper auditory experience, while the SU offers a more subdued, deep tone. The V3 also excels in its tactile feedback and comfort through its sophisticated design, but information regarding the feel of the SU is lacking, making it difficult to draw definitive comparisons. Overall, your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prefer a more vibrant sound and exceptional typing comfort or a quieter, less pronounced acoustic output.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX SU linear switches will largely depend on your intended use and personal preferences. If you are primarily focused on gaming, the V3 Silver Pro is an excellent pick due to its light actuation force, reduced travel distance, and responsive feel. The high-pitched sound profile, combined with a creamy and silky typing experience, enhances rapid inputs, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, if you prioritize a deeper sound profile and a slightly more tactile feedback with a marginally higher bottom out force, the HMX SU linear switches may be a better fit for your typing needs. They provide a balanced typing experience, making them suitable for both gaming and general use, especially if you value a robust build from the PA12 housing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you want a swifter, lighter-click feel for competitive gaming or a slightly more grounded typing experience that still offers good performance.
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