Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Twilight stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts, each catering to distinct preferences and needs. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, offering an easy-to-press, creamy feel that enhances rapid keystrokes with its light actuation force and shortened travel distance. This allows for quick responses in fast-paced gaming situations, while its bassy sound adds an enjoyable auditory element. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a more extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a slightly quieter experience without sacrificing the signature clacky feel characteristic of HMX switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback but prefer a gentler sound profile. Both switches promise a refined typing experience, but the choice ultimately depends on whether you're prioritizing speed and gaming performance or a balanced blend of feel and sound. 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Twilight, an intriguing contrast emerges primarily between their respective top housings. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for enhanced resonance and clarity, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which significantly alters the acoustic characteristics. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast highlights how the material choices for the top housing can significantly influence the auditory experience of the switches, painting a distinctly different picture for users depending on their preferences for sound clarity versus warmth.
On the other hand, both switches share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This similarity creates an interesting coherence in terms of sound identity between the two models. Both the V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Twilight benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, which leads to a rounder and more subdued sound during key presses. While the top housings diverge in their properties and resultant sound profiles, this common factor in the bottom housing means that both models will still deliver that characteristic deeper, fuller sound. Consequently, even if the overall auditory experience differs due to the top housing materials, the foundation provided by nylon in the bottom chamber remains consistent across both options.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials in both models illustrates how varying compositions can affect user experience. The distinct sound profiles elicited by the polycarbonate and nylon top housings of the V3 Silver Pro and HMX Twilight, respectively, create unique auditory signatures when activating the switches. However, the shared nylon bottom housing offers a commonality that ensures both switches still retain a degree of similarity in their deeper bottom-out sounds. For users, this means one could select either model based on their preference between clarity or depth in sound, while still enjoying familiar acoustic elements provided by the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find subtle 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, while the HMX Twilight features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the V3 Silver Pro the lighter option of the two, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its increased actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Despite these variations, both switches maintain a relatively light feel overall, ensuring comfortable use for extended periods.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the V3 Silver Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to the rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Twilight's longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced keystroke, which some users might find more satisfying if they prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels more responsive and quick, the V3 Silver Pro would be the ideal choice; however, if you prefer a switch that provides a more robust typing experience, the HMX Twilight would be preferable.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized by a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp tone when pressed, offering a distinct and engaging auditory feedback that many find appealing, especially during gaming sessions. This sound profile also delivers a satisfying bassy resonance, which contrasts with the typically quieter sound of the HMX Twilight switch. While the specifics of the Twilight's sound characteristics are not detailed, the presence of its extended 3.85mm travel distance suggests a more muted audio experience, possibly aligning with a quieter and less sharp tone than the V3 Silver Pro. However, the sound experienced will ultimately depend on additional elements such as the keyboard's build and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Silver Pro truly shines with a combination of descriptors that highlight its accessibility and smoothness. It features an easy-to-press mechanism that offers gentle resistance, which makes typing and gaming less strenuous and significantly enhances comfort during prolonged use. The creamy, feathery, polished, and silky qualities further contribute to an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, making it highly enjoyable for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, while the HMX Twilight switch offers superior travel distance, its feel characteristics remain unspecified, suggesting that opinions on its tactile reception may vary among users.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for high-performance gaming, offering a dynamic sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it a compelling option for users seeking both auditory satisfaction and ease of use. Meanwhile, although details on the HMX Twilight are lacking, it appears to provide a quieter operation due to its travel distance while maintaining some unique HMX characteristics. Users seeking a similar typing experience will find that the V3 Silver Pro can deliver a satisfying and efficient performance, while the Twilight may appeal to those prioritizing sound dampening and unique features.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid response times and minimal effort in each keystroke, the V3 Silver Pro is your best bet. Its light actuation force and short travel distance facilitate quick actions, making it ideal for competitive gaming where precision is key. Plus, its high-pitched sound adds a unique auditory experience that can be pleasing to those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you value a longer travel distance and a slightly quieter typing experience, the HMX Twilight switch might be more suitable for you. With its creamy feel and firm actuation force, it lends itself well to long typing sessions, providing a luxurious touch while still maintaining that satisfying clacky characteristic often desired by linear switch enthusiasts. Ultimately, assess what matters more to you—whether it’s the speed and responsiveness of the V3 Silver Pro or the smooth and refined journey of the Twilight—and choose accordingly for an enhanced keyboard experience.
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