Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro are two popular options to consider. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for a pleasurable typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its affordability and satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness. While the Black Lotus offers a 55g actuation weight and unique light column for in-switch lighting, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to budget-conscious individuals seeking a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Black Lotus stands out with its Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a premium and distinctive feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer a high-quality experience, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both the Black Lotus and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a more satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper and fuller sound profile in their switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches may differ, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the two, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This split allows for a more dynamic typing experience, as users can feel the impact of both housing materials throughout the typing process. Whether one prefers the premium feel of the Modified PC & UPE Blend housing in the Black Lotus or the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate housing in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro only needs 60 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Yellow Pro slightly lighter overall. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a good balance between the lighter and heavier options available. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Cream Yellow Pro a popular choice for gaming. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro being the shorter option and the Black Lotus having a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper press.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Black Lotus is known for its unique light column design that provides in-switch lighting and a potentially quieter typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro, on the other hand, offers a poppy, clacky sound right out of the box, perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is praised for its silky and buttery typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimized resistance. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and feathery, with light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches are polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a silky smooth typing experience with potentially quieter sound, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy, clacky sound and a light, easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying results, although with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a silky smooth feel with medium-heavy bottom out force and reduced wobble, the Black Lotus might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Happy typing!
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