Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Durock White Lotus. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch tailored towards gamers, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, these switches are ideal for scenarios where quick response times are crucial. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for typists who appreciate a gentle tactile feedback while typing. Featuring a delicate tactility and the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switches provide a tranquil typing experience. While the Akko V3 Silver Pro excels in gaming situations, the Durock White Lotus shines in work and typing sessions. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Durock White Lotus, it is clear that they both utilize different materials for the top and bottom housings. The V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus uses a modified PC & UPE blend for its top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both offer distinct advantages in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the V3 Silver Pro or the White Lotus. This consistency in the bottom housing may make the decision between the two switches more challenging for users who prioritize sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Durock White Lotus ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding sound profile and typing experience. While the V3 Silver Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the White Lotus provides a unique and premium feel with its modified PC & UPE blend top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that produce a deep and full sound, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the top housing material. Ultimately, users looking for a specific sound profile or aesthetic may prefer one switch over the other, but both options offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the White Lotus is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing. Overall, each switch offers a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Durock White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch boasts a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The difference in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the V3 Silver Pro delivering a more vibrant and sharp auditory feedback while the White Lotus offers a smoother and more relaxed sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches are described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This ease of pressing enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro is known for its creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is characterized as mild and subtle, providing a gentler typing experience with a light touch and sound that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, making them ideal choices for users seeking a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, they both excel in providing easy-to-press keys with minimal force requirements, enhancing typing efficiency and reducing finger fatigue. Whether you prefer the sharp and crisp high-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro or the mellow and bass-heavy low-pitched sound of the White Lotus, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience that can elevate your overall typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound tone and tactile feedback, ensuring a personalized typing experience suited to your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you are a gamer looking for a light and responsive switch with a pleasing sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a delicate tactile typing experience with customizable RGB lighting and a slightly higher actuation force, the Durock White Lotus switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you value gaming performance or typing comfort in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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