Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Lotus both offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are perfect for those on a budget who appreciate a satisfying poppy sound and smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches provide a bouncy and resonant typing experience with a medium weight bottom out. While each switch has its own appeal, 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Lotus feature a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who prioritize sound clarity in their typing experience.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a similar sound quality, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers an added benefit of translucency. This makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard setup. In contrast, the HMX Lotus features a matching nylon top housing to its bottom, continuing the theme of a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in housing materials may result in a more cohesive typing experience in terms of sound.
The choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Lotus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches have a nylon bottom housing for a rounder and duller sound on bottom-out. Whether you prefer a clearer sound for key releases or a more impactful bottom-out sound, each switch offers its own unique blend of housing materials to cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lotus is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Lotus will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces, so using either one will give you consistent results in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them desirable for gamers seeking quick response times. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a slightly shallower press compared to the Lotus. Gamers looking for a more responsive feel may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those wanting a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the HMX Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow Pro linear switch is best known for its poppy, clacky sound that offers a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a bright, resonant sound that adds a super bouncy feeling to every keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the other components of the keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities make them gentle on the fingers, reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, and provide a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Lotus switch is unknown. Without specific information on the feel of the Lotus switch, it is difficult to directly compare it to the features of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer unique sound and potential feel profiles that can cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its poppy sound and various feel qualities that enhance typing comfort. Meanwhile, the HMX Lotus switch boasts a bright sound and a super bouncy feeling. While an exact comparison between the two switches may be challenging without complete information, users can expect distinctive typing experiences with either switch depending on their preferences. Ultimately, users can experiment with both switches to determine which one aligns best with their individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feeling, then the Lotus switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for with your mechanical keyboard.
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