Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Sunset Gleam offer compelling options, each catering to different preferences. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, showcasing a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that allows for swift keypresses—an essential feature for those who need to maximize performance in competitive environments. Furthermore, its creamy, feathery feel accompanied by a pleasing bassy sound enhances the tactile experience, making it a favorite among fast-paced gamers. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, distinguishes itself with a thoughtfully crafted blend of materials that yield a satisfying clack upon top-out, along with the excellent factory lube HMX is celebrated for. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a balance between auditory feedback and smooth performance, making it perfect for both typing and light gaming. Both switches present unique advantages, tailored to different users; 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Sunset Gleam switches share remarkably similar housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches ensures a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates with clarity. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the overall auditory experience by producing crisper sounds. Furthermore, both switches leverage polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal for RGB lighting applications. Consequently, users can expect an aesthetically pleasing illumination, as the light will effectively shine through the clear housing, resulting in vibrant light effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon, a time-honored material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer composition contributes to a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. The combined effect of polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom in both the V3 Silver Pro and Sunset Gleam means that while the top housing enhances clarity and brightness upon key release, the bottom housing cushions the experience with a warmer, softer sound upon bottoming out. This contrasts the experience obtained with harder plastics, which tend to produce sharper, more jarring sounds.
While the two switches utilize the same materials, the distribution of their characteristics plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom ensures that users will receive an optimized sound profile that benefits from the strengths of each material. As a result, whether using the Akko V3 Silver Pro or the HMX Sunset Gleam, one can expect similar auditory experiences—distinctive and clean key releases from the polycarbonate upper, coupled with a rich and full-bodied sound on key presses, thanks to the nylon lower. Ultimately, the thoughtful use of these materials across both switches leads to a unified experience that satisfies both aesthetics and auditory pleasure.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see some interesting differences 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, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while both switches are classified as light, the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers an even lighter feel, which may benefit those who type for extended periods or enjoy a softer touch during long gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal more to users seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the V3 Silver Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which gives it a slightly longer feel during keypresses. This means that users who favor quicker response times—such as gamers—might prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro for its shorter distance, which can facilitate faster actuation. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feedback and depth in their keystrokes may find the HMX Sunset Gleam more appealing due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch delivers a high-pitched, crisp auditory experience, which appeals to those who prefer a sharper sound profile over bass-heavy alternatives. This quality creates an engaging feedback loop during use, particularly beneficial for gamers who thrive on auditory cues. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam lacks a specific sound description; however, it is known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, suggesting a more muted aural signature compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Both switches will exhibit variations in sound based on factors such as the keyboard base and keycap material used but expect the V3 Silver Pro to be sharper and more cutting, while the Sunset Gleam may offer a subdued yet pleasant experience.
Regarding the feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is renowned for its exceptionally easy-to-press nature, making key presses require minimal effort. This, combined with descriptions like creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, indicates a luxurious, low-impact typing experience that minimizes fatigue over lengthy usage periods. The smooth and responsive feedback makes these switches incredibly user-friendly for both gaming and typing alike. The HMX Sunset Gleam, unfortunately, does not have any detailed attributes provided for its feel, making it difficult to directly compare with the V3 Silver Pro. However, given its factory lubrication, one might expect a reasonably smooth typing experience similar to the V3 Silver Pro, albeit without confirmed characteristics.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out with its high-pitched sound and user-friendly, creamy feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam brings a subtle, satisfying clack and presumed smoothness, although specific sensory details are lacking. For individuals who prioritize a sharp sound and a buttery typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro might be the better option. However, if a more muted sound with decent smoothness appeals to you, the Sunset Gleam could still provide a fulfilling experience. Both switches present unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, ensuring that regardless of choice, users can enjoy an engaging and comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer seeking fast response times and lightweight keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro is your ideal match. Its low actuation force, shorter travel distance, and high-pitched, bassy sound profile make it perfect for situations where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the V3's creamy, feathery, and polished feel ensures a comfortable experience during prolonged gaming or typing sessions, promoting minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a satisfying tactile feedback with a subtly different sound profile, the HMX Sunset Gleam might suit you better. Its slightly higher actuation force yet smooth operation provides a unique typing experience, paired with quality factory lube for a satisfying clack that can enhance your enjoyment while typing or gaming. Thus, choose the V3 Silver Pro for speed and ease of use in competitive scenarios, while opting for the Sunset Gleam will give you a balanced and delightful typing experience with a touch of auditory satisfaction.
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