Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Durock White Lotus are both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features and benefits. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and creamy tactile sensation, making it a great option for users who appreciate lively feedback. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility ideal for work or extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also feature removable light columns, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock White Lotus, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, crisp sound profile that is amplified with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a premium feel that sets it apart. These differences in top housing material contribute to distinct sound profiles and aesthetics for each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches opt for a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the White Lotus will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience, regardless of the top housing material chosen.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock White Lotus differ, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing results in a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizes a sharper and resonant sound, while the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus offers a premium feel. However, both switches share the benefits of nylon in the bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium-light category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and the amount of force needed to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming, either of these switches would be a suitable choice. However, for users who prefer a slightly stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see a clear difference in their specifications. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter distance compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the White Lotus. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time, ideal for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being the shorter option and the Durock White Lotus offering a longer key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This results in a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard type and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still offers a prominent amount of tactility. The keys have a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches are easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, offering gentle resistance during key presses and a light typing feel that is comfortable and effortless. These switches aim to provide a more gentle typing experience that is approachable and suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are best suited for users who enjoy a lively and audible typing experience with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches cater to those who prefer a more neutral sound profile and a gentle, easy-to-press typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so ultimately the choice between them will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, along with the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus may suit your needs better. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, so your decision can come down to the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing preferences. It's all about finding the switch that enhances your overall typing experience and meets your individual needs.
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