Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, you will find yourself faced with a decision of linear versus tactile. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, making them ideal for those who enjoy an auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility perfect for work and extended typing sessions. With the added bonus of removable light columns for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switches bring a tranquil typing experience with a captivating glow. Ultimately, your choice will come down to your preference for linear smoothness or tactile feedback. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock White Lotus, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is also ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock White Lotus both offer high-quality sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel. Additionally, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the housing materials can be felt differently when typing on these switches - the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of construction, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock White Lotus excel in providing unique sound profiles through their housing materials. The differences in their top housing materials - polycarbonate for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and modified PC & UPE Blend for the White Lotus - offer distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience. However, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile regardless of the top housing material. Ultimately, both switches prioritize sound quality and comfort, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium weight feel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus needs 46 grams to actuate and 56 grams to bottom out, making it a bit lighter with a medium-light weight feel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a more substantial push feel while the White Lotus offers a slightly lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing intensity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the White Lotus offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the White Lotus may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience, while the White Lotus offers a more deliberate and tactile keypress sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switches provide a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Cream Yellow Pro switches delivering a more pronounced and lively sound, while the White Lotus switches offer a more subtle and gentle sound that is less likely to be disruptive in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Durock White Lotus switches offer users a light and easy-to-press typing experience. The Cream Yellow Pro switches are described as feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the White Lotus switches are also easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The subtle tactility of the White Lotus switches strikes a perfect balance, allowing for comfortable typing without overwhelming the user.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches and Durock White Lotus switches both offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro switches provide a vibrant auditory experience with a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a more neutral and low-pitched sound profile, paired with a delicate tactility that is perfect for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should first consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a suitable choice, especially if you enjoy a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, delicate tactility, and the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus would be a great option, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
