HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) switch, known for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivers a bouncy and resonant sound with each keystroke, often appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a long pole design that produces a lively, crisp sound signature while maintaining smooth actuation for an enjoyable typing experience. While the Lotus (Heavy) is perfect for users who appreciate a delightful auditory feedback with a pronounced bounciness, the V3 Piano Pro excels in delivering a vibrant sound alongside seamless performance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro share a notable similarity in housing materials, as both models feature top and bottom housings constructed from nylon. This choice of material contributes significantly to their acoustic properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The inherent characteristics of nylon—a softer plastic compared to alternatives like polycarbonate or ABS—allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and duller auditory experience. This trait is consistent across both switches, meaning users can expect similar acoustic results regardless of their choice between the two products.
When examining the impact of the nylon in their construction, it's essential to understand how the material influences both the sound and tactile feedback during key presses. Since both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, the interaction between these two components ensures that users will experience a cohesive sound profile along with certain tactile characteristics. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing influences the sound experienced when releasing a key. Consequently, with both switches opting for nylon, users can anticipate a similar level of acoustic performance across the board.
In conclusion, the similarity in housing materials between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro creates a baseline expectation for performance in terms of sound and feel. Both switches capitalize on nylon's unique properties to produce a warm, enveloping sound during typing sessions. Even though there may be slight variations in design or stem characteristics, the foundational use of nylon ensures that users will have a sufficiently comparable experience in terms of audio feedback and tactile response. Ultimately, it is this shared material that reinforces the qualitative aspects and acoustic identity of both keyboard options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a heavier option ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press down and bottom out. Consequently, those looking for a lighter switch should opt for the V3 Piano Pro, while individuals seeking a firmer feel would gravitate towards the Lotus (Heavy). Overall, the differences in force measurement highlight how each switch caters to distinct user preferences based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they require the same amount of distance to be pressed down from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when using either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that keystrokes feel consistent and responsive across both switches, making them well-suited for similar applications in typing and gaming.
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 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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, HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches produce a bright and resonant tone that makes typing feel vibrant. Their auditory signature is characterized by a crisp and engaging sound, providing a lively accompaniment to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer a clacky and resonant sound profile, which emphasizes a sharp, snappy quality that can be very satisfying in its own right. The sound produced by both switches is lively, but while the Lotus may lean slightly towards a cleaner brightness, the Piano Pro brings an additional percussive character to the mix, making for an energizing auditory experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) is known for its medium-heavy weight, providing a super bouncy sensation with its 62.5g actuation force. This gives a delightful rebound that enhances the tactile experience, making typing engaging and lively. On the flip side, the V3 Piano Pro is described with qualities such as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. All these descriptors suggest an exceptionally smooth experience, complemented by a lively feedback sensation that ensures comfortable and fluid keystrokes. While the Lotus may prioritize bounce and weight, the V3 Piano Pro's qualities create a balance of smoothness and liveliness, likely providing a similarly captivating typing experience.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches will yield two distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. The Lotus excels in its bright, resonant sound and medium-heavy bounce, while the V3 Piano Pro impresses with its crisp, clacky sound alongside a wide range of smooth tactile qualities. For those looking for a lively typing experience, either switch can provide it, but preferences may vary depending on whether one prioritizes weight and sound profile or a combination of smooth and bouncy feel. Ultimately, both offer an engaging experience that caters to different aspects of keyboard enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a more solid and tactile typing experience that offers a bit of resistance combined with a vibrant sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its heavier actuation weight provides a bouncy feel that can enhance your typing rhythm, offering a satisfying auditory and kinetic feedback that some typists celebrate. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a snappier auditory response, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is well-suited for your needs. Its medium-light actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes and its creamy, silky feel facilitates a smooth typing experience. Coupled with a lively, clacky sound, this switch might appeal more to those who enjoy a lively interaction while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a more robust feedback with pronounced sound or a plush, fluid experience with a crisp auditory charm.
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