Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. The 55g actuation weight provides a substantial, yet manageable typing experience, while the unique light column offers customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. With a variety of categorized qualities such as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Silky', these switches offer a diverse tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing habits. 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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 switch features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro uses a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer their own advantages, the modified PC & UPE Blend of the Black Lotus may provide a more tactile and high-quality typing experience compared to the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro.
Both the Black Lotus and the V3 Piano Pro switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which are known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in housing material means that both switches may offer a similar sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches highlights the importance of material choice in creating a unique typing experience for users.
The distinction in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of these switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, showcases how the choice of housing material can affect different aspects of typing. Despite the differences in materials used, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches aim to provide users with a premium typing experience through unique housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter bottom out force of only 55 grams. This makes the Black Lotus a better option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Piano Pro is ideal for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.
Travel distance
The Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. This means that the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may prefer the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro providing a quicker feel, and the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus offering a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
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 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a known silence, which is often preferred by those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as having a clacky and resonant sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, the Black Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is best known for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, providing a refined and polished feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as feeling bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches provide a level of smoothness and refinement that enhances the overall typing feel, with the Black Lotus leaning towards a gentler experience and the V3 Piano Pro offering a livelier sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus emphasizes a silky smooth feel with a quieter typing sound, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with smoothness and precision (Black Lotus) or a livelier sound with a bouncy and creamy feel (V3 Piano Pro). Whether you choose one over the other, both switches excel in providing a premium typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force with a silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
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