Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience with unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus is praised for its intense tactility and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile feel with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. Additionally, the detachable light column provides vibrant RGB illumination for a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. Both switches are categorized as 'Accented' and 'Snappy,' but the Blue Lotus is described as 'Bassy' and 'Stepped,' while the Lavender Purple Pro is labeled as 'Bouncy' and 'Polished.' 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, one key difference lies in the top housing material used. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, known for its unique and premium feel, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the modified PC & UPE Blend, which may appeal to those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, adding a visually appealing element to the overall aesthetic of the switch.
On the other hand, both the Blue Lotus and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which may be preferred by those looking for a more muted typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures consistency in sound and feel, allowing users to enjoy a similar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing material, such as nylon in this case, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether it be polycarbonate or modified PC & UPE Blend, influences the sound generated when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch differ in weight, with the Blue Lotus being the heavier option. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Blue Lotus better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter, making it more ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. Both switches offer a responsive typing experience, but the weight discrepancy caters to different preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quicker response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant enough to notice a substantial difference in feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Blue Lotus or the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will depend on your personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer 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 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound experience during key presses. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is not available, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Blue Lotus and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro are described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They both offer a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, both switches are described as snappy, offering super responsiveness during keystrokes. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is also noted for being bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, and polished, offering a smooth and refined key press experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer similar qualities in terms of feel, providing a satisfying tactile bump and snappy responsiveness. However, the Blue Lotus switch is known for its bassy sound profile, while information regarding the sound profile of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is not available. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and additional features like RGB lighting.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. Opt for the Blue Lotus if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bassy sound profile accompanied by sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, choose the V3 Lavender Purple Pro if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump. Both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences, so make your selection based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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