Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point and high-quality feel, showcasing a distinctive poppy and clacky sound coupled with exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While both switches offer distinct advantages, such as the Cream Black Pro's creamy and snappy feel and the Lotus's bouncy sensation, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus, specifically the top housing, display contrasting characteristics. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro is more suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Lotus use nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the differences in top and bottom housing materials suggest that the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press is more pronounced, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus contributes significantly to the typing experience and sound produced by each switch. While the V3 Cream Black Pro with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, the Lotus with its nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the distribution of different housing materials affects how the sound and feel of key presses are perceived. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Lotus boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a more gentle typing feel. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro will require a bit more force to register a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Lotus may be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more robust and substantial typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the way to go.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Lotus. The difference may not be significant, but it can still affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Lotus. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance that would provide a comfortable typing experience for most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, offering a sharp and satisfying click with each key press. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch is described as having a bright and resonant sound, providing a more bouncy and lively auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Black Pro offering a poppy and clacky sound while the Lotus delivers a more vibrant and buoyant tone.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is praised for its creamy and smooth typing experience, providing a silky sensation that allows fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, this switch is noted for its bouncy and snappy feedback, giving users a spring-like rebound with each key press. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch's feel is not specified in the provided information, but based on the characteristics of a bright and resonant sound, it may offer a similarly lively and responsive typing experience as the Cream Black Pro.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Lotus linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and smooth sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Lotus offers a bright and resonant sound that may translate into a lively and responsive key press experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences for the typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a high-pitched and clacky sound, along with a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, then the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a bright and resonant sound that provides a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch would be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable and ergonomic.
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