Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, it's important to consider what kind of typing experience you're looking for. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock offer a unique blend of tactile feedback and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feel with a snappy response. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a visual appeal with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed specifically for gamers, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, these switches are perfect for scenarios where speed is of the essence. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we can see that both switches utilize similar materials for their bottom housing - nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar tactile experience in terms of sound. However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend and the V3 Silver Pro utilizing polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend housing provides a unique and premium feel to the switch.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the impact that the top and bottom housing materials have on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material, being nylon in both cases, is more responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the tactile experience of pressing down on the keys will be similar on both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Silver Pro. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro creates a distinct high-pitched sound, while the modified PC & UPE blend top housing of the Blue Lotus contributes to a premium and unique typing experience.
Overall, while both switches feature nylon bottom housings that create a deep and full sound profile, the top housing materials offer distinct differences in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Durock Blue Lotus provides a premium and unique feel to the typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, these differences in housing materials can greatly impact your choice between the two switches.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a smoother and lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Silver Pro, while users who enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback may lean towards the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches are considered to have slightly shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Durock Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 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 Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to those who prefer a brighter sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactile feel, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering but still noticeable. The switch is also described as snappy, providing a responsive typing experience due to its design. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch allows users to feel distinct stages of the keystroke, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate. The creamy, feathery, polished, and silky attributes of the switch contribute to a smooth and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a tactile and snappy typing experience with a bassy sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offers an effortless keypress with a high-pitched sound profile, catering specifically to gamers and those who prioritize quick keystrokes. By understanding the sound and feel characteristics of both switches, users can make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a tactile typing experience with medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Blue Lotus. Its accented, snappy feel and bassy sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a prominent tactile feel and swift responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with light bottom out force, the V3 Silver Pro is the way to go. The easy-to-press, creamy feel and high-pitched sound profile of these switches cater to gamers seeking fast and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and snappiness or smoothness and ease of keystrokes in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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