Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience with their own unique characteristics. The Black Lotus stands out for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, reducing wobble for maximum typing pleasure, while the Matcha Green Pro impresses with a solid and responsive keystroke leading to a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. The Black Lotus features a 55g actuation weight and a removable light column for in-switch lighting, while the Matcha Green Pro provides resonant clacks and clear tactile feedback. Each switch is categorized with its own set of qualities, such as 'Silky' and 'Buttery' for the Black Lotus and 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' for the Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so diving deeper into their individual characteristics can help you choose the best switch for your typing or gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, we can see that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Black Lotus features a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials are sturdy and high-quality, they provide slightly different sound profiles and aesthetics to the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches use nylon material. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Black Lotus and the V3 Matcha Green Pro will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housings. It is interesting to see how a common material choice can lead to comparable results in switch performance.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical keyboard switch can greatly impact the typing experience. While the Black Lotus and the V3 Matcha Green Pro differ in their top housing materials, with one using a Modified PC and UPE Blend and the other using polycarbonate, they share a nylon bottom housing that provides a consistent sound profile. Whether a switch uses polycarbonate or a blend of PC and UPE for the top housing, the nylon bottom housing will play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that they both have an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of the initial force required. However, the Durock Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, which bottoms out at 63 grams. This difference in bottom out force means that the Black Lotus may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a slightly heavier feel (Black Lotus) or a lighter touch (Matcha Green Pro) for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Black Lotus will require a slightly deeper press. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantive keypress may lean towards the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a silent typing experience due to its lack of a specific description provided. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive noise while typing. For users looking for a quieter typing experience, the Black Lotus may be the preferable choice, while the Matcha Green Pro switch is ideal for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clackier switch.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, emphasizing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a gentle keystroke sensation. Conversely, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is noted for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, offering a spring-like rebound and a creamy, buttery typing sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness and precision in key actuation, providing users with a satisfying typing experience guaranteed to enhance their productivity and enjoyment.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer exceptional performance and quality in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus switch provides a quieter typing experience with its smooth and refined feel, the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a clacky sound and a creamy, bouncy feel for users seeking more auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can cater to the needs of typists and gamers alike, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and performance in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp bottom-out feel with resonant clacks and a creamy, polished typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force to ensure the most satisfying typing experience.
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