Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored for gamers, yet they both boast features that cater to performance and efficiency. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is celebrated for its easy-to-press design, silky smooth feel, and effective bassy sound, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions where comfort is paramount. With a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance, this switch allows for quick reactions, an essential trait in fast-paced gaming environments. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch from HMX stands out with its exceptionally low actuation force of only 1mm, designed specifically for rapid-fire inputs, coupled with a bright, clacky sound that adds an invigorating auditory element to the typing experience. Its snappy feedback lends itself well to those who thrive on speed and precision. Both switches appeal to gamers but cater to different priorities in performance and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your gaming style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus feature distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisp and resonant. This material's stiffer nature allows for clearer sound projection, making it particularly suitable for setups that involve RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, a material known for absorbing sound and promoting a deeper, more full-bodied audio experience. The softer nature of nylon results in a dulled sound profile that can feel more muted and rounded compared to the brightness of polycarbonate, showcasing how different materials can dramatically alter auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon for their construction. This consistency results in a substantially similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom housing, regardless of the differing top materials. Nylon’s inherent qualities provide a deeper and fuller typing experience, as it absorbs vibrations effectively, lending a softer touch and sound impact to key presses. This shared characteristic means that both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus will exhibit rich, low-end tones during typing, contributing to an overall satisfying tactile experience despite the differences in the top housing materials.
In summary, the combination of the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Silver Pro and the nylon top housing in the Vintage Citrus illustrates a clear contrast in acoustic properties. The polycarbonate's ability to create a crisp, sharp sound balances against the nylon's capability for producing a softer, rounded tone, charting two distinct paths in auditory feedback during key presses. However, with both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistently deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out the keys. As a result, while the sound character may differ on key release, the richness of the typing experience maintains a level of coherence across both models.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their tactile experience. The V3 Silver Pro features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. This distinguishes it as a medium-light switch, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus presents a slightly heavier option for users seeking a stronger tactile response in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The V3 Silver Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you favor quicker response times, the Vintage Citrus switch may be more appealing due to its lesser travel distance, allowing for faster key actuation. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In essence, if you're looking for an experience that provides a bit more depth and feedback, the V3 Silver Pro is the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus is suited for those who prioritize swift, responsive key presses.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 pleasing bassy tone, which is generally warm and subdued, providing an enjoyable auditory experience as you type or game. This quality can create an immersive environment, making them particularly suitable for gaming scenarios where comfort and ambiance matter. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches produce a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by sharp, snappy notes with a percussive feel. This sound is more pronounced and impactful, catering to users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the choice will depend on whether one prefers a softer bassy sound or a more energetic clacky one.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches excel with their easy-to-press mechanism that provides a gentle resistance, requiring minimal effort to activate. This light actuation force contributes to an effortless and comfortable typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue. Additional descriptors such as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky highlight an incredibly smooth and refined typing journey, making every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches provide a snappy feel, delivering pronounced feedback that feels reactive and invigorating. They are designed for those who enjoy a more tactile experience and require rapid-fire inputs, benefiting gamers looking for responsiveness. While both switches cater to a gaming audience, their tactile experiences diverge significantly, emphasizing comfort versus an energizing feedback loop.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer excellent features tailored for gamers, but their subjective qualities differ greatly. The V3 Silver Pro stands out with its bassy sound and smooth, effortless typing experience, making it excellent for extended sessions without fatigue. The Vintage Citrus, with its clacky sound and snappy, invigorating feedback, caters to users who crave energetic and responsive input. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on personal preference for sound and feel—whether you enjoy a warm auditory backdrop with a smooth typing experience or a lively, sharp feedback that keeps you engaged.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer seeking a fast-paced response with minimal effort, the V3 Silver Pro is an excellent option due to its light actuation force, smooth key travel, and creamy feel that reduces fatigue during long gaming sessions. The bassy sound enhances the immersive experience, making it perfect for both gaming and casual typing. On the other hand, if you desire a sound that stands out and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is ideal for you. The medium-light actuation force and clacky sound profile, coupled with its snappy responsiveness, make it well-suited for rapid-fire input and a lively typing experience. Thus, consider how much resistance you prefer in your keystrokes and what kind of auditory feedback you enjoy, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns best with your typing and gaming style.
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