Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback versus a linear feel. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are renowned for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them a top choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches offer a smooth and satisfying linear feel, coupled with a poppy, clacky sound that is sure to please budget-conscious enthusiasts. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Blue Lotus's Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium and unique feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is clear, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Durock Blue Lotus's Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The choice of housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. The unique qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting both the keypress and key release sounds.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials, with the Blue Lotus featuring a Modified PC & UPE Blend and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizing polycarbonate. Each housing material brings unique qualities to the switches, impacting the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. The Blue Lotus also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires a bit more force to press the keys and reach the bottom of the keystroke compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Overall, the Blue Lotus is the heavier option between the two. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be more suitable.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Blue Lotus due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer more depth in their key presses may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in travel distance.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is best described as having a bassy profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch's sound profile is currently unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard configuration and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented and snappy tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility without being scratchy, along with a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is characterized as being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a light and low-impact typing feel with a smooth and refined finish. These qualities enhance the typing experience and reduce finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile experience with swift responsiveness, ideal for those who prefer a tactile feel with a shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch stands out for its budget-friendly nature and smooth, easy-to-press feel, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a more effortless typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the ideal switch for their mechanical keyboard setup based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a slightly reduced travel distance, snappy responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer budget-friendly switches with a smooth feel, poppy sound, and easy-to-press actuation, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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