Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Lotus switches stand out as popular choices with their distinct characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch loved for its lively and audible feedback, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth, creamy tactile sensation. It is an excellent budget-friendly option for users who value quality and enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch is a linear switch known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound. Providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke, the Lotus switch promises a delightful typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in tactile feedback and audible cues, the Lotus offers a smooth and consistent linear typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Lotus differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have unique characteristics, the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the nylon housing of the Lotus provides a classic typing experience.
Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housings of the switches, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Lotus utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the difference in top housing material between the two switches may affect the overall sound profile and typing experience for each.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboards. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The decision between these materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. Whether opting for the stiffer polycarbonate or the softer nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter in terms of bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light touch, suitable for users looking for a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions. Both switches share the same actuation force, ensuring similar typing responsiveness, but differ in bottom out force, allowing users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing feel based on their preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to gamers looking for quick response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Lotus switch may provide a more full and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the difference of 0.2 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for all users, and both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with their creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches provide a bright, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience with a super bouncy feeling. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on individual sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities combine to offer a medium tactile sensation that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable amount of tactility. The Lotus switches, on the other hand, offer a bouncy feeling with a weight of 50g bottom out, providing a responsive and spring-like feedback with every keystroke. Again, the choice between these switches would come down to personal preference for the level of tactility and response desired in a keyboard switch.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and HMX Lotus switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer the distinct poppy sound of the Cream Blue Pro switches or the bouncy feeling of the Lotus switches, both options provide a delightful typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboard usage. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, the Lotus switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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