Durock Black Lotus vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and reduced wobble, providing maximum typing pleasure with its 55g actuation weight. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes and a pleasing sound with its light actuation force and shortened travel distance. Both switches have their own strengths and categories such as 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished' for the Black Lotus, and 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched' for the V3 Silver Pro. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing that offers similar acoustic qualities.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the top housing materials. The modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also makes it more suitable for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of switches using softer materials that absorb more sound.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches can make a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of typing. The qualities of the bottom housing material, such as the duller and rounder sound produced by nylon, will be more noticeable during the bottom-out phase of typing. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro contributing to a crisper sound profile compared to the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique acoustic characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option while the Black Lotus is the heavier one. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Black Lotus would be the suitable choice due to its heavier forces. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the V3 Silver Pro would be more ideal. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more in-depth keystroke experience may opt for the Durock Black Lotus. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the Black Lotus provides a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing or gaming needs.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus is known for producing a crisp and precise sound when pressed, although the specific sound profile is not mentioned in the provided information. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is characterized by a high-pitched sound which provides a sharp and clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. The choice between these two switches would largely depend on personal preference, with the Black Lotus likely offering a more neutral sound compared to the more distinct high-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Black Lotus is renowned for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a fluid keystroke sensation. The switch falls in the middle-ground zone with a mild typing experience and a polished finish that enhances the overall feel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro boasts an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch also offers a creamy and feathery typing experience, further enhancing comfort and responsiveness. Both switches feature a polished finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a premium typing experience for users. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and precise typing feel with a neutral sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro caters more towards gamers with its high-pitched sound and easy-to-press key activation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound feedback and typing experience. However, both switches offer quality features that are sure to elevate any typing or gaming setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with minimal wobble, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize responsiveness and quick keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro may be more suitable, especially for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
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