HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly influence performance and comfort. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is renowned for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, delivering a satisfying, bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that many typists find delightful. This makes the Lotus an excellent choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, featuring a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that facilitate rapid key presses. These switches provide a smooth, gliding experience accompanied by a deeper, bassy sound, making them ideal for competitive gaming scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. While the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation, the V3 Silver Pro emphasizes ease of use and quick responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, the most noticeable difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon, a classic choice among switch designers, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is typically due to nylon's softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced by the switches is more subdued and well-rounded, making it appealing to those who prefer a more muted audio experience while typing. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clearer resonance of polycarbonate provides a more vibrant auditory feedback, making it particularly advantageous for users who enjoy a crisper keystroke sound.
The bottom housing of both switches shares the same material—nylon—which creates an interesting interplay between the two types of housing materials. Both the Lotus (Heavy) and the V3 Silver Pro benefit from nylon's qualities, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The result is that while the Lotus (Heavy) maintains a consistent deep sound profile throughout because both housings utilize nylon, the V3 Silver Pro's bottom housing reinforces its higher-pitched response with the familiar softness of nylon. This unique combination means that regardless of the switch's top material difference, both switches still retain a rich, deep sound quality contributed by the nylon bottom housing, appealing to those who might prefer that characteristic across different switch types.
Aesthetically, the differences between the top housings also lead to diverging experiences in RGB lighting. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate used in the V3 Silver Pro not only enhances its sound clarity but also makes it a favorable choice for RGB lighting schemes, as the light can emanate through the clear housing. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) does not share this translucency, likely limiting its ability to project RGB effects as effectively. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, they can still provide a complementary sound profile that creates a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, users can appreciate both switches for their distinctive sound qualities and aesthetic traits, catering to varied preferences in keyboard customization and performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier Lotus (Heavy) will appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, if users seek a lighter feel, the V3 Silver Pro is the preferred choice, while those who favor a more robust feedback should opt for the Lotus (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we find a slight difference that could influence user preference depending on their typing style. The Lotus (Heavy) switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Silver Pro is more suited for those who favor quicker response times, reflecting the trend towards shorter distances in modern designs, particularly among gamers. Conversely, the HMX Lotus provides a more substantial distance that some users may appreciate for a more satisfying tactile feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, users will need to weigh their preferences for responsiveness against the desire for depth when choosing between these two switches.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 considering the sound profile, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that can add an engaging auditory element to your typing or gaming sessions. This quality creates a distinctive acoustic signature that pairs well with the tactile benefits of its heavier actuation force. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch delivers a bassy sound that many find pleasing, especially for prolonged use where a rich audio experience can enhance enjoyment. The choice between these two sound profiles may depend on personal preference; the Lotus for those who appreciate higher-pitched sounds, while the Silver Pro caters to those who prefer a deeper auditory experience. It's important to note that the final sound will also vary based on the keyboard's architecture and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the contrast between the two switches is significant. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight with a super bouncy sensation, which can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy a more substantial resistance during key presses. This gives a pronounced feedback, making each keystroke feel purposeful and engaging. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro excels in providing an effortless typing experience with its light actuation force and quick travel distance, catering especially to gamers who need rapid response times. The additional descriptors applied to the Silver Pro—such as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky—illustrate its smooth operation and minimal resistance, which can help minimize finger fatigue during extensive use. Therefore, while the Lotus (Heavy) centers around a tactile and bouncy feel, the Silver Pro emphasizes ease and fluidity in key presses.
In summary, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro depends largely on personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Lotus provides a bright, resonant audio experience with a satisfying heaviness in response, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing. Conversely, the Silver Pro is designed for quick, effortless actuation with a soothing bass sound, offering a smooth typing experience perfect for gaming and extended use. Ultimately, both switches will provide distinctive experiences, allowing users to find the perfect match for their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that provides a bouncy, delightful feeling with a resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent option. This switch is particularly suitable if you favor a more tactile typing experience, as its higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams might feel satisfying for typing and gaming scenarios that benefit from deliberate keystrokes. Conversely, if you're a gamer seeking speed and efficiency, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is your go-to. With its light actuation force of 45 grams and a shorter travel distance, these switches facilitate rapid-fire key presses while reducing finger fatigue, making them ideal for high-stakes gaming sessions where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro's creamy and polished feel, combined with a high-pitched sound profile, enhances comfort and precision, allowing you to perform at your best. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize a more robust tactile sensation or the swift, effortless response of a lighter switch.
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