Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Lotus, both linear switches. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts for its satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel, offering a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is a less known option that also falls into the linear switch category. While it lacks a specific standout feature, it still offers a different typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is best suited for those who appreciate an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished switch, while the Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a different feel entirely. 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
35g
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
3.30 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 Yellow Pro and the Outemu Lotus, we can see that both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Lotus also uses nylon in its top housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile to its bottom housing.
When looking at the overall sound experience of the switches, the qualities of the housing materials are crucial in shaping the sound profile. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing results in a unique sound profile that is both crisp and deep. The Lotus, on the other hand, uses nylon in both the top and bottom housing, creating a consistent deep and full sound when typing. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may offer a sharper sound when pressing down on a key, the Lotus maintains a consistent sound throughout typing due to its consistent housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Lotus will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a mix of sharpness and depth with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, while the Lotus provides a consistent deep and full sound experience with its nylon housing throughout. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience, with each offering a unique sound profile for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, one notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lotus, which requires only 35 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a higher force of 60 grams, while the Lotus bottoms out at a lighter 50 grams. This means that the Lotus switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Lotus linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect a uniform typing experience whether using the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the Lotus switch. With both switches having identical travel distances, users can achieve similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation point. Ultimately, this makes selecting between the two switches a matter of personal preference rather than a difference in travel distance.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a vibrant typing sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities suggest that these switches offer a light actuation force, minimal finger fatigue, a lively rebound feel, excellent responsiveness, and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
Considering the information available, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch stands out for its satisfying sound profile and a variety of tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. However, since information regarding the Outemu Lotus linear switch is limited, it's challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two. In general, when choosing between switches, it's essential to consider your personal preferences in typing feel and sound, as well as factors like keyboard layout and keycap compatibility to ensure a customized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are a budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiast who values a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium resistance that may suit your typing style. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Outemu Lotus linear switch could be more suitable. However, keep in mind that the Lotus switch doesn't have specific standout features like the Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3, so it may come down to trying them out to see which one feels best for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and budget constraints.
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