Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the key differences and features of each option. The Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, boasting reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that provides a substantial yet comfortable typing experience, the Black Lotus also features a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. While the Black Lotus is characterized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Polished', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique advantages and it ultimately depends on personal preference when selecting the best switch for your needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Lavender Purple Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall feel and sound profile. While the Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, the Lavender Purple 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 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile due to the materials used in their top housings.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and the Lavender Purple Pro feature nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of switches utilizing nylon bottom housings. Despite using the same material for their bottom housings, the switches may still have unique sound profiles due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro plays a significant role in determining their sound profile and typing feel. While the Black Lotus offers a premium feel with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Lavender Purple Pro focuses on creating a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch boasts a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with 45 grams, making the Black Lotus the heavier option in this comparison. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro needs 55 grams, indicating that the Black Lotus also has a heavier bottom out force. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as for work or gaming sessions. While the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, both provide a satisfying keystroke experience that caters to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Black Lotus for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, those seeking a quicker response time may opt for the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth 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 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 switch is typically described as having a deep, satisfying sound profile, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Black Lotus is often praised for its silky and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by an accented tactile bump, providing a balanced amount of tactility without being too overwhelming. Both switches are noted for their polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches are praised for their high-quality construction and smooth typing feel. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a deep sound profile or a tactile switch with a satisfying bump, both options provide a premium typing experience that is sure to please keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and silky smooth feel with reduced wobble, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force, a satisfying tactile bump, and a higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing experience.
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