Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, featuring a light actuation force and shortened travel distance to enhance speed and responsiveness during intense gameplay. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Swift, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. However, the V3 Silver Pro stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by nylon. This difference in materials contributes to a unique typing experience for each switch, with the V3 Silver Pro offering a distinct sound profile with each keystroke.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Swift, both switches feature a nylon top housing that enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, where the V3 Silver Pro excels in its use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing to create a sharper and crisper sound, the Swift utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a more consistent and rounded sound throughout typing sessions. While the V3 Silver Pro may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced and defined sound, the HMX Swift offers a balanced and consistent typing experience with its nylon housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Swift will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The V3 Silver Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a unique and sharp sound profile with each keystroke, while the HMX Swift's consistent use of nylon results in a deep and fuller sound throughout typing sessions. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with the V3 Silver Pro catering to those who prefer a sharper sound, while the HMX Swift appeals to users seeking a more balanced and consistent sound profile. Whether you prioritize clarity or depth in your typing experience, both switches deliver exceptional performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 Silver Pro has a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the HMX Swift has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with a light touch, making them ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. While the Akko V3 Silver Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force, the HMX Swift offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience suited for different preferences, whether it be a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or a slightly heavier touch for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the V3 Silver Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Swift has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Swift may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer more depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound upon each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is known for its clacky sound, offering a sharper and snappier noise when typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen, which can alter the overall sound experience.
Moving on to feel, both the V3 Silver Pro and the Swift switches are praised for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, both switches have a feathery feel, making them light to press and ideal for extended typing sessions like gaming or work. The V3 Silver Pro also offers a creamy and polished sensation, providing a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Swift switch adds a bouncy element, giving a spring-like feedback when typing.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Swift switches have their unique characteristics in sound and feel, both switches share common qualities such as being easy-to-press and feathery, making them suitable for extended typing periods. Whether you prefer a high-pitched or clacky sound, or a creamy and polished feel versus a bouncy sensation, both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience tailored to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences in sound and feel to enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Swift linear switches, consider your preferences and needs. If you are a gamer looking for a switch that offers light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and effortless keystrokes, the Akko V3 Silver Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, along with a slightly lower actuation force, the HMX Swift could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so carefully consider what features are most important to you before making your decision.
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