Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers unique benefits for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. With a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, as well as a smooth tactile sensation, these switches are ideal for those who enjoy a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is known for its linear switch design, offering a different typing feel compared to the tactility of the Cream Blue Pro. While the Lotus may not have any standout features mentioned, linear switches are favored by some users for their consistent keystrokes. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches. 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
35g
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
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Lotus, one can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is made of polycarbonate, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus uses nylon for its top housing as well, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, both switches offer a unique acoustic experience due to their housing materials, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro producing a more clear and resonant sound, while the Lotus creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro allows for greater translucency, making it ideal for switches equipped with RGB lighting. This gives the V3 Cream Blue Pro a more visually appealing look when compared to the Lotus, which uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing. While both switches offer a classic switch housing material in nylon for their bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, providing a unique visual element that enhances the overall experience for users who value aesthetics in addition to performance.
When it comes to the tactile experience of typing on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. The different housing materials used in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Lotus result in distinct typing experiences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, and the Lotus providing a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, aesthetics, and overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we can see that the Lotus is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lotus has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. These differences can impact the typing experience, as lighter switches are preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches offer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the lighter touch of the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch is the same at 3.3 mm. This means that both switches will give you a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of the distance required to press the key from start to finish. This makes them equal in terms of travel distance, providing consistent performance for users looking for a specific feel in their switches.
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 Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
The V3 Cream Blue Pro switch provides a unique combination of a poppy and clacky sound profile that is accompanied by a smooth tactile sensation. Users who enjoy an audible feedback with a creamy feel will find these switches to be a pleasing option. On the other hand, the Lotus switch's sound profile is currently unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. This means that the switch offers a medium level of tactility without being overly tactile, provides a spring-like feedback, is highly responsive, and delivers a smooth typing experience. On the contrary, the feel of the Lotus switch is currently unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of tactile sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out for its lively sound profile and creamy tactile feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option with quality performance. While the Outemu Lotus linear switch may offer similar qualities, its specific sound and feel characteristics are currently unknown, so it is important to consider these factors when making a decision between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, and choosing between them would depend on the individual preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a linear switch without any specific standout features, the Lotus could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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