Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro present two enticing options, both categorized as tactile switches but with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its impressive tactile intensity and snappy responsiveness, offering a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that appeals to users who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel during their typing experience. Its unique design also incorporates a detachable light column that enhances its vibrant RGB illumination, making it a visually striking choice. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is defined by its large, invigorating tactile bump and a louder sound signature that leans toward the bassier side, providing an auditory experience that some gamers and typists find particularly satisfying. While the Blue Lotus excels in swift responsiveness and aesthetic appeal, the Creamy Purple Pro emphasizes substantial tactile feedback and a fulfilling sound profile. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, it's evident that there are both similarities and differences that influence their overall performance. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which is designed to deliver a unique and premium tactile experience. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro uses a standard polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound clarity due to its stiffer properties. While both switches aim to create a high-quality typing experience, the use of polycarbonate in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro guarantees a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly impressive for users who appreciate crisp audio feedback when typing, especially in RGB-lit setups.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which provides a deeper sound profile characteristic of this classic material. The nylon construction of the Blue Lotus and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro allows for a fuller, richer auditory experience thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. This shared material means that both switches will offer similar auditory results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, as the softer plastic muffles the impact sound and creates a rounder tone. Users seeking a deep sound profile will find that both switches deliver on this front, reinforcing the idea that the bottom housing's characteristics can significantly affect the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, when considering how each housing material affects performance, it is important to note the distinct roles played by the top and bottom housings. The stiffness of the Blue Lotus’s modified PC and UPE blend contributes to the key release sound, while the nylon bottom housing governs the sound produced upon bottoming out. Conversely, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s polycarbonate top housing also emphasizes sound clarity upon release while maintaining the rich audio qualities associated with nylon. Thus, while the two switches showcase different materials for their top housings, the identical nylon bottom housing ensures that users can expect a similar auditory depth, regardless of their choice.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams with a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel, especially during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This disparity means that users who enjoy a more substantial push when typing may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus, while those seeking ease and speed may opt for the Creamy Purple Pro. Overall, these differences highlight how personal preferences in typing experience can guide the choice between these two switches, with the Blue Lotus being the heavier option and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Blue Lotus boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This means that the Blue Lotus offers a more substantial keystroke, which might appeal to users who prefer tactile feedback and a deeper press. Conversely, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its shorter travel, may be better suited for gamers or those who favor faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. For those seeking a balance between tactile satisfaction and responsiveness, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding depth versus speed.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
The sound profiles of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches present distinct auditory experiences. The Blue Lotus is characterized by its bassy sound, offering a deeper, richer profile that enhances the experience with lower frequency tones during key presses. This acoustic depth lends a satisfying gravitas to each stroke. On the other hand, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is noted for its loudness, specific details about its sound signature are less defined. Consequently, while both switches promise a robust auditory feedback, the tonal characteristics of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro remain unclear.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus boasts a balanced tactile experience, described as accented and stepped. Its medium-level tactility provides a pronounced tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle, making it suitable for various typing preferences. The stepped nature further contributes to its nuanced feedback, giving a distinct sensation during both pre-travel and post-travel. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro presents a richly textured feel with descriptors such as polished, bouncy, and invigorating. These various characteristics provide a smooth typing experience alongside an elastic, responsive interaction that creates an engaging feedback loop as you type, while also maintaining an accented profile similar to that of the Blue Lotus.
In summary, users can expect two compelling tactile switches that cater to a range of preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus excels with its bassy sound and a controlled tactile experience characterized by an accented and stepped feel. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers loudness and a lively tactile sensation with a polished finish and a springy rebound, making for an exciting typing experience. While they share some similarities, particularly in tactile characteristics, they also offer unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium-heavy key feel with a pronounced tactile response for a more immersive typing experience, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. Its heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, along with its snappy responsiveness and striking tactile bump, makes it particularly suited for users who enjoy a more defined and engaging feedback as they type. Additionally, if you appreciate a bassy sound profile that adds depth to your typing acoustics, the Blue Lotus enhances the auditory satisfaction you may seek.
On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, smoother experience with a significant tactile bump and enjoy a lively typing sensation, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be better suited for you. With a bottom out force of just 50 grams, these switches allow for effortless keystrokes, complemented by their polished feel and invigorating feedback. The unique bassy sound profile offers a distinctive acoustic quality, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper sound without the heaviness of more substantial switches. In summary, if you value comfort and a gentle yet responsive action for casual typing or gaming, the Creamy Purple Pro is a fantastic match. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for tactile feedback, actuation force, and sound, ensuring a delightful mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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