Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 Xinhai (Heavy) stand out as two compelling options for gamers and typists alike, each offering unique advantages. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, providing an easy-to-press mechanism with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, ensuring quick response times that can significantly enhance gameplay. Its creamy and feathery feel, combined with a pleasing bassy sound on each keystroke, makes it an appealing choice for those who value speed and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a richer typing experience characterized by its heavier actuation and unique PA12 top housing. This switch delivers a softer acoustic profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to users who appreciate a tactile yet refined sensation under their fingers. While the V3 Silver Pro emphasizes performance and speed, the Xinhai (Heavy) leans towards a balance of sophistication and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Silver Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) showcase differing approaches to housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles and typing experiences. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the material's stiffness, which contributes to enhanced resonance and clarity, particularly advantageous for those who desire an articulate auditory response while typing. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an appealing choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it readily allows colors to shine through, creating a more visually engaging setup.
In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which presents a markedly different sound characteristic. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile. This distinction is crucial for users who may prefer a more subdued auditory experience, as the nylon housing muffles higher pitches, resulting in a warmer typing sound. Although both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the divergence in materials for the top housing means that each switch produces a unique auditory signature, affected by the materiality and divisive properties inherent to each housing type.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, meaning they share similar foundational characteristics in terms of sound absorption. This commonality means that while the V3 Silver Pro may deliver a more 'pingy' and articulated typing sound due to its polycarbonate top, its overall auditory experience can still resonate deeply with the fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom. For typists who appreciate a combination of crisper high notes with a solid low end, the Akko V3 Silver Pro provides a versatile option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will appeal to those who desire a more muted and bass-heavy typing experience—ultimately leading to different, yet complementary, tactile and acoustic results.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch provide distinct typing experiences characterized by their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Silver Pro features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer light switches for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. This means that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter switch overall, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier option. The differences in actuation forces result in contrasting tactile feedback during use; lighter switches may facilitate quicker typing speeds, whereas heavier switches can provide more feedback and resistance that some users find satisfying.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm suggests that the Xinhai switch may provide a marginally deeper key press, which can contribute to a more tactile experience, making it potentially preferable for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro may cater to gamers who prioritize quicker response times and more immediate feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro offers a snappier response, while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a fuller, deeper feel.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound quality, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches produce a notable high-pitched resonance that results in a sharp and crisp sound upon activation. This audio profile appeals to those who might not favor the deeper, bassier tones that some switches provide, making it an appropriate choice for gamers who prefer a more piercing auditory feedback during their swift keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch leverages a unique PA12 top housing designed to offer softer acoustics, yet specific sound characteristics are not detailed here. Because the sound of any switch can frequently vary based on the keyboard board and keycaps used, users may achieve a variety of auditory experiences with both switches depending on their overall setup.
When examining the feel of these two switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out with its easy-to-press action and low actuation force, making it exceptionally user-friendly for extended gaming and typing sessions. The combination of creamy, feathery sensations contributes to an effortless experience, reducing strain on the fingers. This ensures a silky-smooth interaction with the keys, catering well to those who seek comfort and responsiveness in their typing experience. In contrast, the specific feel characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch are not provided, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall user comfort.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer their unique qualities, making them suitable choices based on individual preferences. The V3 Silver Pro is particularly advantageous for gamers looking for a lightweight switch with a high-pitched sound and creamy feel, promoting speed and comfort. While the sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) remains unexplored, its construction suggests it will deliver a softer auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should depend on what qualities resonate with you the most regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're a gamer looking for quick, responsive keystrokes that provide a light actuation force and a satisfying high-pitched sound, the V3 Silver Pro would be an ideal choice. Its effortless pressing and smooth typing experience can significantly enhance your gameplay, allowing you to react swiftly and efficiently. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and like the benefits of a slightly heavier switch, the Xinhai (Heavy) is designed for you. With its 62.5-gram bottom-out force and softer acoustics, it offers a unique blend of precision and sophistication, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without compromising on comfortable feedback. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prioritize speed and lightness or a more refined and weighted typing experience.
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