Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, also a linear switch. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial yet not overly heavy, and a unique light column providing in-switch lighting that is fully removable, it is categorized as smooth and polished. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro is a top choice for budget-minded individuals seeking high-quality mechanical keyboard switches. These switches are known for their unique poppy and clacky sound, paired with exceptional smoothness, and are categorized as creamy, bouncy, and snappy. Each switch offers its own advantages and appeal, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you make the best decision for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro both feature top housings made of different materials, with the Black Lotus utilizing a Modified PC and UPE Blend and the Cream Black Pro using polycarbonate. The Black Lotus's housing material provides a unique and premium feel, while the Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate material creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Black Lotus's material may offer a more luxurious tactile experience, the Cream Black Pro's material is favored for its clear and resonant sound quality, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Overall, both housing materials offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preferences for feel and sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro feature nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings on both keyboards will result in a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. The similarities in bottom housing material between the two keyboards could result in a similar typing feel, despite potential differences in top housing material.
One significant factor to consider when comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is how each material affects the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, the top housing material plays a role in the sound when a key is released. This means that the tactile feedback and sound profile of each keyboard may vary based on the combination of housing materials used. Ultimately, whether one prefers the unique feel of the Black Lotus's Modified PC and UPE Blend or the clearer sound of the Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate material will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and sound quality.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch both have a similar actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally sensitive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's 65 grams, giving it a slightly softer feel when fully pressed. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, which may be ideal for those seeking a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Overall, while the Black Lotus may offer a slightly lighter typing experience, the differences in bottom out force between the two switches may not be significant enough to drastically impact overall typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. The shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm may be more appealing to those looking for a faster response time, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Black Lotus may provide a more substantial feel when typing, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Black Lotus switch has a sound profile that is not specifically described in the information provided, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Whether you prefer one sound over the other will ultimately come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your mechanical keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Both switches aim to offer a pleasurable typing experience, but the specific qualities of each switch will appeal to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus switch stands out for its smoothness and precision, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch impresses with its unique sound profile and smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard switch choice, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of quality and performance with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize smoothness, precision, and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound, along with a creamy and bouncy typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro could be the perfect fit. Consider the sound profile, typing feel, and bottom out force of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences the most.
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