HMX Lotus vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique experiences for users. The Lotus, known for its 50g bottom out weight and bright, resonant sound, provides a bouncy feeling with every keystroke that is sure to delight users. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel, coupled with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that provides clear tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Lotus being bouncy and the Matcha Green Pro being clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. Therefore, both the Lotus and the Matcha Green Pro will likely produce similar sound profiles when it comes to bottom-out sounds and typing feel, showcasing the benefits of nylon as a classic switch housing material.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Lotus and the Matcha Green Pro differ in material, with the Lotus having a nylon top housing and the Matcha Green Pro featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when used in switch housings. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, the top housings of the two keyboards will provide distinct sound profiles, with the Lotus producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Matcha Green Pro.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in keyboards such as the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro can significantly impact the typing experience and sound produced. While both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings that create a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housings differ with the Lotus using nylon and the Matcha Green Pro using polycarbonate. This difference results in the Lotus having a duller and rounder sound, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound, making it more suitable for RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housings will depend on the individual's preference for sound profile and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, some key differences emerge. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's heavier 55 grams. This means that the Lotus requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Lotus's 50 grams. This results in a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and pressure required.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Lotus offers a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Lotus with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro with its longer travel distance. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound, providing a bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound profile, delivering sharp and crisp feedback. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience, depending on personal preferences and setups.
When it comes to the feel, the Lotus switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a bouncy sensation that adds to the typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like rebound when pressed. The Matcha Green Pro switch also offers a polished and silky feel, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch each excel in specific areas of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch offers a bright and bouncy sound with medium weight, the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound profile along with a smooth and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboard setups and keycaps can help in determining which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lotus linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound, then the HMX Lotus switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a sharp, clacky sound with a solid and substantial feel, then the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches would be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider your typing style and sound preferences when making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what feels and sounds best to you during use.
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