Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smoothness of linear switches and the satisfying feedback of tactile options. The Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, making it an ideal choice for typists seeking a seamless experience with minimal wobble. This switch features a 55g actuation weight, striking a balance between substantial feedback and lightness for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, offering users a more invigorating typing experience. With a notable loud sound signature and a bassy pitch, it's perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Black Lotus for those who value smoothness and consistency, and the Creamy Purple Pro for individuals who enjoy tactile sensations and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches both feature unique configurations of housing materials that influence their tactile and auditory characteristics during use. The Durock Black Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing, which offers a premium feel while delivering a distinctive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a straight-up polycarbonate top housing. While both switches capitalize on the benefits of polycarbonate, the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend suggests a more refined texture that may enhance feel, possibly resulting in a smoother key press and a varied sound profile than that of standard polycarbonate.
As for the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which is a well-established material in mechanical switches known for its acoustic properties. Nylon's relative softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often find satisfying. This similarity in the bottom housing indicates that both the Black Lotus and V3 Creamy Purple Pro will elicit comparable auditory experiences when bottoming out the keys, with a rich sound that contrasts the sharper noise produced by harder materials. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a consistent sound signature where the rounder, more pronounced sound is influenced predominantly by the nylon bottom housing.
The combined characteristics of the Durock Black Lotus and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro reveal how their distinct top housings impact the overall typing experience. The modified PC & UPE blend of the Black Lotus may provide a softer, more cushioned release sound, while the clear polycarbonate top of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a brighter and crisper auditory feedback, especially appealing for users who appreciate clear sound with RGB lighting. Ultimately, while both switches may emit deeper sounds when bottomed out due to their nylon bases, the variation in top housing materials leads to nuanced differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback, allowing users to select a switch align with their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Black Lotus features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. Therefore, users who enjoy a softer, less forceful keystroke will likely gravitate toward the Akko switch, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may find the Durock Black Lotus more satisfying. Overall, the key difference lies in their weight: the Black Lotus is heavier, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter, catering to distinct preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, we find distinct differences between the two. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the most traditional travel depth and provides a more pronounced sensation when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more shallow option that is favored by gamers for quicker response times. This means that for users who prefer a more responsive feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the better choice. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, and would likely appreciate the hearty depth offered by the Black Lotus. Ultimately, if you favor a more traditional typing experience, the Black Lotus is your go-to, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro caters to those looking for speed and responsiveness.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 characterized by a quieter profile, which makes it suitable for environments where a subdued typing experience is preferred. The sound produced by these switches tends to be soft and unobtrusive, allowing for focused work without disruption. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a more pronounced and loud sound signature. With a bassier pitch, it provides auditory feedback that stands out, enhancing the tactile experience. This louder profile can be gratifying for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their keystrokes, making the V3 Creamy Purple Pro ideal for those who appreciate auditory stimulation while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus excels in delivering a silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. The smoothness of these switches minimizes resistance, allowing for a refined and effortless keystroke journey. The mild actuation weight strikes a balance between feedback and ease of typing, making it approachable for users across varying experience levels. Conversely, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a distinctly large tactile bump, which provides a noticeable feedback point within the keystroke. While the tactile sensation is invigorating, it contrasts with the more understated feedback of the Black Lotus. This tactile nature can be particularly satisfying for users who prefer a clear indication of actuation.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus linear switches and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel suited for different preferences. The Black Lotus provides a quieter, smoother typing experience with a mild actuation force, ideal for a gentle and focused workflow. On the other hand, the Creamy Purple Pro's loud auditory feedback and pronounced tactile bump cater to individuals who enjoy a more stimulating and dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference: whether one favors a soft, polished feel with subtle sound or a more vibrant, tactile experience with pronounced audio feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you enjoy a silky smooth and polished feel with a heavier actuation, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its 63.5g bottom-out force makes it suitable for those who like a bit more resistance while typing, offering precision with minimal wobble. This switch is particularly advantageous for fast typists and gamers who appreciate a smooth keystroke without distractions. On the flip side, if you prefer a lighter touch and a pronounced tactile feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the way to go, especially with its 50g bottom-out force and satisfying tactile bump. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback as well, as its loud, bassy tones can enhance the typing experience, adding a bit of personality to your setup. In summary, choose the Black Lotus for a smooth, heavy feel and precision, or opt for the Creamy Purple Pro if you lean towards a lighter, tactile experience with engaging acoustics.
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