HMX Jammy vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Jammy and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Jammy, a linear switch, is best known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro, also a linear switch, is designed with a long pole for a snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Additionally, the Piano Pro switches offer a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
57g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
The HMX Jammy and Akko V3 Piano Pro both use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two keyboards.
However, where the two keyboards may differ is in how the qualities of the nylon housing are distributed. If the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. This means that even with the same nylon housing material, the overall typing experience may vary slightly between the HMX Jammy and Akko V3 Piano Pro, depending on how the housing is designed in each keyboard.
In terms of construction, the nylon housing of both the HMX Jammy and Akko V3 Piano Pro ensures a sturdy and reliable build. Nylon is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it a suitable choice for switch housings in mechanical keyboards. This means that users can expect both keyboards to withstand heavy daily use without the housing material degrading over time. Ultimately, while the housing materials of the two keyboards may be the same, the overall typing experience and durability may vary based on other design factors and components.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we see that the Jammy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 57 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy requires 63 grams while the V3 Piano Pro needs 55 grams, making the V3 Piano Pro the lighter option overall. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the V3 Piano Pro leans towards the lighter side with its lower bottom out force. This means that while the Jammy may provide a slightly more substantial typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing experience and desired level of force feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Jammy switch would provide a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the V3 Piano Pro being slightly shorter than the Jammy.
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 Jammy comes in at $3.49 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, with a softer nylon housing that contributes to its unique auditory profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized by a snappy and lively sound signature, thanks to its long pole design that adds a crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Jammy switch provides a more subdued sound, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a more vibrant and sharp auditory experience, with each press offering a distinct and satisfying click. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will vary depending on external factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy switch provides a typing experience that is yet to be described. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a variety of tactile sensations including bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feedback. The bouncy nature of the Piano Pro switch gives it a spring-like and lively feel, offering a rebound effect with each key press. Additionally, the creamy sensation of the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, while the silky feel minimizes resistance for a seamless typing experience. These varied tactile qualities make the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch a versatile option for users seeking different typing sensations.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch emphasizes a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with a softer nylon housing, the Piano Pro switch boasts a snappy and lively sound signature with a range of tactile sensations like bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feedback. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the subdued elegance of the Jammy switch or the dynamic and tactile experience of the Piano Pro switch to suit their mechanical keyboard needs. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is sure to delight newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom-out force with a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, the V3 Piano Pro offers a range of tactile experiences to choose from. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile in order to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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