HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its own unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches stand out for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities, such as the smoothness in actuation of the Piano Pro and the bright typing experience of the Cloud - 63.5g, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall 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
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer properties compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. This characteristic is evident in both switches, giving users a satisfying typing experience with a unique acoustical output.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon as their housing material, the specific design and construction of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The distribution of the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings plays a role in the typing experience. The bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing design may result in slight variations in the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the similarities in housing material between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro provide users with comparable results in terms of sound profile and tactile feel. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to the use of nylon as the housing material. While there may be nuances in the typing experience due to the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a satisfying sound output from either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams, compared to the V3 Piano Pro with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro needs 55 grams. This makes the V3 Piano Pro the lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we find that the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro would be considered the shorter option, while the Cloud - 63.5g would be the longer option. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable difference in the feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Those who prefer quicker response times may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar experience, but the slight variation in travel distance can cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, giving users a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound profile, offering a clean, sharp, and immersive auditory experience. Both switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a distinctive and lively sound signature, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards a sharper tone and the V3 Piano Pro having a slightly more resonant quality.
Moving on to the feel, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the V3 Piano Pro switches offer a bouncy feedback sensation, providing users with a spring-like and lively feel when typing. Additionally, both switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels silky and effortless. The V3 Piano Pro switch also adds a polished feel to its keys, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, further enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both promise users a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a brighter and clacky typing sound or a more resonant and snappy sound profile, both switches deliver on providing a smooth, bouncy, and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a silky smooth feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a medium-light bottom out force, as well as a smooth and crispy tactile experience, then the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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