Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stand out as compelling contenders in the world of custom keyboards. The Black Lotus offers a silky smooth linear feel with reduced wobble, perfect for those looking for precision and comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a tactile typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, ideal for users seeking a budget-friendly switch with a satisfying feedback. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. While the Black Lotus utilizes a Modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, the Cream Blue Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The Modified PC & UPE Blend of the Black Lotus provides a premium and unique feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Blue Pro creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. Both materials offer a distinct typing experience, with the polycarbonate being stiffer and the Modified PC & UPE Blend providing a softer feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon for a classic typing experience. The nylon material in both the Black Lotus and Cream Blue Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, making it a crucial component in the typing experience of both switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Black Lotus and the Cream Blue Pro, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall sound profile and feel while typing. Whether it's the unique feel of the Modified PC & UPE Blend in the Black Lotus or the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate in the Cream Blue Pro, both switches provide a premium typing experience that is sure to impress mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus is the heavier of the two, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Black Lotus more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro is better suited for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Despite their differences in weight, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the actuation and bottom out forces complementing each other to provide optimal performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro, which may result in a slightly more pronounced keypress feel. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Black Lotus. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, offering a pleasing typing experience without any distracting noise. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is recognized for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively and audible feedback that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Black Lotus being more on the quiet side while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more pronounced and tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced wobble and maximum typing pleasure. In comparison, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is highlighted as accented and bouncy, delivering a medium tactile feedback with a spring-like and elastic sensation that adds a fun and lively element to typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Black Lotus focusing on smoothness and precision, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro prioritizes a bouncy and responsive feel that enhances typing speed and accuracy.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with unparalleled precision, making it ideal for those seeking a refined and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a lively and tactile feedback with a distinct sound profile that adds an element of fun to typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience with reduced housing and stem wobble, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a medium-light bottom out force and an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile sensation with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall tactile and auditory experience you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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