Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both stand out as top contenders in the tactile switch category. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock offer a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who prefer a marked tactile feel during typing. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, these switches not only perform well but also offer a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 switches are a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. Known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, as well as a smooth tactile sensation, these switches are perfect for users who appreciate lively feedback. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus stands out with its unique blend of Modified PC and UPE materials for the top housing, providing a premium and luxurious feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which enhances the sound with a deeper and fuller profile. While the Blue Lotus offers a softer sound due to nylon, the Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Blue Lotus's top housing material gives it a distinctive look with its Modified PC and UPE blend, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro features a clear polycarbonate top housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through. Both switches incorporate nylon for the bottom housing, emphasizing a classic and reliable material choice that enhances the typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Despite the different top housing materials, the switches may offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provide unique characteristics to each switch. The Blue Lotus's combination of Modified PC and UPE blend for the top housing offers a premium feel, while the Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing delivers a crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon for the bottom housing, enhancing the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a softer sound with the Blue Lotus or a clearer sound with the Cream Blue Pro, both switches offer a unique blend of housing materials that contribute to their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Lotus is heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where lighter actuation forces are preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Blue Lotus. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly quicker response time for the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, making it a preferred choice for gamers or individuals looking for swift key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus offers a little more depth and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches have a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is sure to delight the ears of users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, offering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, both switches are noted for being snappy, providing users with a super responsive typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches are also described as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feel, while the Cream Blue Pro switches are said to be bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation. Furthermore, the Cream Blue Pro switches are noted for their polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Lotus switches excel in tactile intensity and responsiveness, with a focus on vibrant RGB illumination, the Cream Blue Pro switches stand out for their budget-friendly option with a lively sound profile and smooth key feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's specific preferences in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, you should consider several factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile feel with swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers a smooth and lively typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile intensity and snappiness (Blue Lotus) or a poppy sound profile with a creamy tactile sensation (V3 Cream Blue Pro).
Mentioned in this article
