Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple 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 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender Purple V3 switches from Akko offer a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, creating a delightful typing experience suitable for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches by Durock provide a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column for captivating RGB lighting effects, adding a touch of magic to your keyboard setup. 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
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock White Lotus, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a resonant sound. However, the White Lotus boasts a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the White Lotus also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, enhancing the switch's sound with a duller and rounder tone.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a premium typing experience. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a clearer sound and aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique feel. On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound, creating a rounder tone for a satisfying typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles and premium materials.
In terms of impact on sound and feel, the top and bottom housings play different roles in each switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the nylon bottom housing of both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the White Lotus, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Its softer properties absorb more sound, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the top housing of a switch, such as the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, influences the sound when releasing a key. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a clear and sharp sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. By understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to the switch, you can appreciate the nuanced differences and similarities between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock White Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both switches have very similar actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This makes them both fall into the medium-light category in terms of weight. The slight difference in force between the two switches is negligible, so users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out pressure. This similarity in force makes it easy for users to choose based on other factors such as design or price, knowing that they will get a comparable typing experience regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
The Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 3.8 mm. This difference may not be significant to all users, but for those who are sensitive to subtle changes in key feel, it could make a difference in gaming or typing performance. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the White Lotus being slightly on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Lavender Purple Pro switches are best described as featuring a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a distinct auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is soothing to the ears. Depending on personal preferences, users may enjoy the crisp and clear sound of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the calming and soft sound of the White Lotus switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are renowned for their accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overpowering but still noticeable. They also offer a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are designed with an easy-to-press actuation force, offering a gentle resistance that makes typing effortless and comfortable. These switches provide a mild and subtle typing feel, suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of both switches, it is clear that the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound with accented and bouncy tactile feedback, the White Lotus provides a low-pitched sound with easy-to-press and mild tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel, allowing users to customize their keyboard experience to suit their unique preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lower actuation force and a higher-pitched sound profile, along with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press keys, the Durock White Lotus switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision may come down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and actuation force. Be sure to consider your typing style and preferences when making your choice between these two exceptional tactile switches.
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