Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing various options to suit their typing style and preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out as a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a unique combination of a poppy, clacky sound and remarkable smoothness, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. Its playful auditory characteristics and responsive feel make it a joy for both casual and gaming use. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a more substantial keystroke with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, paired with a bright, resonant sound that enhances the tactile experience. This switch not only delivers a bouncy sensation with each keystroke but also caters to users who prefer a firmer feel while typing, ensuring that the act of pressing keys becomes a pleasurable endeavor. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro appealing to budget-conscious users seeking smoothness and sound, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) targets those favoring a more robust tactile encounter. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), the differing materials used in their housing significantly influence the sound profiles and overall user experiences each switch offers. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its stiffness and translucency, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. This property enhances the clarity of the switch, making it particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate top allows for better illumination through the keycap without substantial distortion of the light. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. This results in a more rounded auditory experience when typing, often favored by users who prefer a muted and warmer sound.
On the bottom housing front, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon material. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that users of either switch will enjoy a consistent deeper sound profile at the bottom-out level. The nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound contributes to a smoother typing experience that minimizes harsh noise and tactile feedback associated with harder materials. Consequently, while the two switches differ in the top housing and its resultant sound profile, they both harness the beneficial qualities of nylon at the bottom, ensuring that users experience a dependable and full-bodied sound.
Ultimately, despite the distinct materials at play, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Lotus (Heavy) can deliver somewhat overlapping acoustic experiences due to their shared nylon bottom housing. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top provides a brighter and sharper sound, particularly beneficial for RGB setups, the Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon topology offers a contrasting, more subdued auditory experience. For keyboard enthusiasts, this contrast means the two switches can cater to different preferences, whether one seeks clarity and brilliance or warmth and depth. Regardless of individual preferences, both switches promise an engaging typing experience by leveraging the successful attributes of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, which means users can expect a similar feel when triggering a keystroke on either option. However, a noticeable difference can be found in their bottom out forces; the V3 Cream Black Pro has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Lotus (Heavy), which has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This minor difference indicates that while both switches provide a comparable typing experience up to the actuation point, the Akko switch requires a bit more force when fully pressed down. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter feel might appreciate the Lotus switch more for extended typing sessions, while users who enjoy a firmer push could find the V3 Cream Black Pro appealing due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keystroke. Both switches offer distinct experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to select one that aligns with their preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 characteristics, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch delivers a high-pitched, poppy tone, creating an engaging auditory experience that appeals to many keyboard enthusiasts. The clacky sound profile enhances the typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its bright, resonant sound, which can deliver a similarly pleasing auditory experience, though the specific details of its sound profile are less defined. While both switches may satisfy users who appreciate a more articulate sound, the ultimate auditory quality can be influenced by the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches exhibit a creamy sensation, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, often attributed to factory lubrication and high-quality materials. The switch's bouncy and snappy characteristics offer an elastic feedback that creates a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for its super bouncy feel, which can enhance the tactile feedback during typing. The combination of medium-heavy weight and lively responsiveness in both switches indicates users can expect a pleasurable typing experience, as they are engineered to engage and delight.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its higher-pitched, clacky sound and buttery typing experience, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a bright resonant sound and a bouncy, engaging feel. Depending on personal preference, one may lean towards the distinctive pop of the Cream Black Pro or the lively nature of the Lotus (Heavy), but both switches promise an enjoyable typing session, making either choice a solid option for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you appreciate a medium-heavy force with a smooth, creamy feel and a high-pitched, clacky sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro is your ideal choice. It’s especially suitable for budget-minded users who want a pleasant typing experience without compromising on quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter action at 62.5 grams with a bouncy, resonant feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is perfect for you. It delivers a delightful "springy" feel that makes typing feel very engaging, suitable for users who enjoy a bit of liveliness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your ideal switch will depend on whether you prioritize the rich tactile sensations of the V3 Cream Black Pro or the bouncy ergonomic feedback and lighter force of the HMX Lotus.
Mentioned in this article
