HMX Lotus vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two popular options to consider. The Lotus switch, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro, also a linear switch, is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Lotus switch excels in its bouncy feel, the V3 Piano Pro impresses with its clacky and creamy characteristics. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality is present in both the top and bottom housings of both keyboards, making them quite similar in terms of sound production.
While both the Lotus and the V3 Piano Pro feature nylon top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the typing experience may differ slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that although both keyboards may produce similar sound profiles overall, the specific nuances of sound and feel may vary between the two based on the distribution of nylon in their housings.
In terms of construction, the nylon housings of the HMX Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer a durable and reliable housing material for the switches. Both keyboards benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound when typing. While the specific design and layout of the switches may vary between the two models, the shared use of nylon as a housing material ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning you will get a similar typing experience in terms of the initial force needed to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the V3 Piano Pro which needs 55 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during extended use, the Lotus may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, the V3 Piano Pro with its slightly heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Lotus or the V3 Piano Pro, you can expect a similar keypress feel in terms of travel distance.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a bright and resonant sound, giving each keystroke a lively and bounce quality. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for a snappy and crisp sound signature, adding a level of liveliness and sharpness to typing. The Lotus may offer a more resonant and immersive auditory experience, while the V3 Piano Pro's clacky sound adds a certain level of excitement to each press. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the user's desired typing ambiance.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch is known for providing a bouncy feeling with a 50g bottom out weight, making each keypress feel spring-like and elastic. The V3 Piano Pro, on the other hand, is described as offering a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery key travel. The Akko switch gives a polished and refined finish to each keystroke, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. While the Lotus switch provides a bouncy and energetic feel, the V3 Piano Pro offers a smooth and luxurious sensation with its creamy and silky attributes.
Overall, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lotus excels in providing a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound and creamy, polished feel. Based on personal preference, users can choose between the energetic bounce of the Lotus or the smooth luxury of the V3 Piano Pro for an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, resonant sound with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a snappy, clacky sound and a smooth, creamy typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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