HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Lotus (Heavy), with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, is celebrated for its bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feel that enhances the joy of each keystroke. It provides a unique experience for users seeking a switch that feels lively and responsive. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its smooth and substantial feel, appealing to typists and gamers who appreciate clear tactile feedback. Its design features a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, resulting in resonant clacks that enhance the overall typing experience. While the Lotus focuses on a bouncy touch and delightful sound, the Matcha Green Pro leans towards a polished, creamy feel with satisfying 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
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, one can observe a clear distinction in the sound profiles produced by their respective top housings. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deep and full auditory experience that results in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This added rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant audio output. Consequently, users who prioritize a smoother and more muted sound might gravitate towards the Lotus (Heavy), while those seeking crispness and clarity would likely prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switch designs share the same nylon bottom housing. The bottom housing in both switches, being made of nylon, reinforces that fuller sound profile attributed to the material’s softer characteristics. This consistency means that while the top housings diverge in auditory feedback, the underlying nylon in the bottom of both switches provides a harmonious depth, influencing the bottom-out feel similarly. Therefore, users can expect a deep and rounder bottom-out sound when utilizing either switch, ensuring that the tactile feedback remains comparable between the two options.
Aesthetically, the distinction in top housing materials also plays a role in the overall user experience. The polycarbonate top of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro enhances the visibility of RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it a visually appealing choice for gamers and customization enthusiasts. In contrast, the nylon top of the Lotus (Heavy), while effective in sound absorption, lacks the same level of transparency and illumination potential. Ultimately, while the mix of nylon and polycarbonate significantly influences their sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing unifies them in terms of feel, illustrating how the combination of housing materials can create a nuanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, with the Lotus requiring 55 grams and the V3 Matcha Green Pro matching this with its own 55 grams. This similarity suggests that users will experience a comparable effort when initiating a keystroke on both switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Lotus's 62.5 grams. This difference means that while the actuation feels the same, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a marginally firmer feel when fully depressed, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches feature the same actuation force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we find that the Lotus (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) can provide quicker actuation, potentially enhancing responsiveness for gamers who value speed over depth. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would be the preferable choice, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro might be better suited for those who enjoy a more tactile and deep pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a bright and resonant quality that lends itself to an engaging auditory experience. The sound profile is lively and offers a certain crispness that makes each keystroke feel pronounced. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro features a clacky and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that typists and gamers can appreciate. While both switches provide a bright and percussive auditory experience, the Vintage Matcha Green Pro might lean towards a more defined clack compared to the resonant nature of the Lotus, making the overall soundscape quite engaging for both options.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a super bouncy sensation, thanks to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. This spring-like feedback can create a delightful typing experience as the keys provide a lively rebound. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts a smooth, substantial feel, with a creamy and polished touch that enhances the typing experience. The Matcha Green Pro's sharp bottom-out creates a tactile feedback that combines with its silky texture, providing an elegant and fluid feel. While both switches excel in providing a compelling typing experience, the Lotus focuses on a bouncier feel, whereas the Matcha Green Pro emphasizes smoothness and a refined finish.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches present unique yet enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences. The Lotus (Heavy) is notable for its bright, resonant sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Matcha Green Pro excels with its clear clack and smooth, polished touch, catering to those who appreciate a satisfying, creamy keystroke with tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either option will promise to elevate your typing with engaging characteristics, ensuring that every keystroke is a pleasure.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a bouncy keystroke combined with a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively character to your typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) might be your ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation and delightful acoustic feedback make it particularly suitable for those who relish the sensation of keystrokes that feel both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a polished feel in your typing, along with a solid bottom-out experience accompanied by a clacky, resonant sound, the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the better option. This switch excels at delivering a creamy and silky typing sensation, making it an excellent fit for typists and gamers seeking tactile feedback paired with auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you find most enjoyable in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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