Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) present two appealing options, each with unique characteristics tailored for different typing preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is celebrated for its fully polycarbonate construction, delivering a bright, chirpy sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience. This switch offers a "bouncy" feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively and responsive keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and produces a resonant, vibrant sound that enhances the overall typing experience; its delightful bounciness caters to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. While both switches offer a linear design for smooth operation, their differing materials and feel may appeal to different users based on their typing style and sound preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Lotus (Heavy) feature distinct materials in their housing components, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through vividly. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) opts for nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon's softer composition creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. This fundamentally alters the typing sound and feedback compared to the sharper acoustics produced by polycarbonate.
The variation in housing materials is likely to manifest in the overall user experience when typing. For the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, the combination of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom means that the typing experience is characterized by an emphasis on clarity and resonance. The clear sound produced from the release of the keys creates a lighter, more lively feel. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon constructions, will offer a distinct auditory experience that leans towards warmth and depth, creating a more subdued and rich typing feedback. The quality of the switches will certainly differ, as the sound profile produced by the nylon is inherently different from that of polycarbonate.
While the two switch types exhibit contrasting sound characteristics due to their differing materials, they do share a fundamental principle: the sound and feel during operation is influenced by the housing configuration. Both the V3 Crystal Pro and the Lotus (Heavy) encapsulate distinct experiences based on their construction, resulting in varying auditory sensations during typing. However, if one were to mix and match their housing components—such as using a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom or vice versa—they could potentially achieve an interesting blend of sound profiles, allowing enthusiasts to experiment with the balance of sharpness and depth in their typing experience. Regardless, the essence of each switch will remain closely tied to the material properties of its individual housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we can see a notable difference in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are relatively similar. The V3 Crystal Pro requires an actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be beneficial for users who prefer less resistance when typing for extended periods or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) demands a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As for bottom out forces, the V3 Crystal Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Both switches fall within a medium ranking in terms of force, but the Lotus (Heavy) ultimately offers a heavier feel overall. Thus, for a lighter typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro is preferable, while the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those seeking a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial depth with each key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those seeking quicker response times, which is commonly favored among gamers. As a result, users looking for a switch that allows for a deeper feel should opt for the V3 Crystal Pro, whereas those prioritizing speed and responsiveness might find the HMX Lotus (Heavy) to be a better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches are characterized by a bright and chirpy acoustic profile, which lends a unique quality to each keystroke. This distinct sound is a result of their polycarbonate construction. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches produce a bright and resonant sound, although the specific nuances of this sound being compared to the Crystal Pro remain less defined. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap selection, leading to some degree of variability between different setups.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro switches offer a delightful tactile experience that is both bouncy and polished. The bouncy sensation provides a spring-like response to each keystroke, giving users a lively feel with a satisfying rebound. This is complemented by the polished nature of the switches, which ensures smooth key travel and minimal friction. However, the Lotus (Heavy) switches do not have specific descriptors available regarding their feel, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. Based on the medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, one might anticipate a sturdy and satisfying typing experience, but without additional details, this remains speculative.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present promising qualities, the V3 stands out with its well-defined chirpy sound and uniquely enjoyable bouncy feel, alongside its polished typing experience. The Lotus switches indicate potential for a satisfying touch, yet the lack of detailed descriptors in their feel leaves some questions unanswered. Overall, both switches cater to users seeking specific auditory and tactile experiences, but the V3 Crystal Pro has a more established reputation based on its distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you lean towards a switch that offers a brighter, chirpy sound coupled with a silky smooth and polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lively, bouncy typing experience with tactile feedback, making it suitable for general typing or gaming sessions where a more engaging experience is desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a more resonant sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) might be better suited for your needs. The Lotus switches provide a bouncy and delightful sensation with every keystroke, which can create a satisfying experience for heavy typists or gamers looking for a bit more resistance in their switches. Ultimately, assessing what you value more—sound profile and smoothness versus a heavier feel and bounce—will guide you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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