Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you have two distinct options to consider. The V3 Crystal Pro switches are known for their unique fully polycarbonate construction, offering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. In comparison, the White Lotus switches are designed with a delicate tactility that is perfect for work and extended typing sessions, while also featuring a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Both switches have their own advantages and characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock White Lotus differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the overall sound profile. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel, while its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature.
While the V3 Crystal Pro boasts a consistent sound profile throughout with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Durock White Lotus showcases a more diverse auditory experience. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the switch. The bottom housing, made of nylon, contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, producing a rounder and duller sound. Meanwhile, the top housing, a modified PC & UPE Blend, influences the sound when a key is released, providing a unique and premium touch to the overall typing experience.
Although their housing materials vary, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock White Lotus pay close attention to the impact of materials on sound quality. Whether utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper sound profile or nylon for a fuller sound, each switch offers a distinctive typing experience. By selecting the appropriate housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch, manufacturers can tailor the sound profile to meet the preferences of users, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with either the V3 Crystal Pro or the White Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium-level resistance. In contrast, the White Lotus offers a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the White Lotus, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro for a slightly heavier feel. Despite the slight differences in force, both switches offer a similar level of performance, providing a comfortable typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Crystal Pro. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Crystal Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a bit more depth to the keystrokes, the White Lotus may be more ideal. 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 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 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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overwhelming. The choice of sound between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and how it complements the overall keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy and polished feel, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel that results in a lively and sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, with gentle resistance during key presses and low-impact feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the White Lotus switch also makes it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired.
Overall, when comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, with the Crystal Pro switch providing a bright and chirpy sound along with a bouncy and polished feel, while the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound alongside an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a smooth typing experience from both switches, with the main difference lying in the specific sound and feel profile each switch offers.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactile feedback with a light bottom out force and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the characteristics that best suit your needs and preferences.
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