Considering making the jump, unsure about going to weaker lofts?

Currently game Callaway Apex 19 irons that I got when getting back into golf after playing as a junior. Current handicap sits around 5 after starting off playing bogey golf and my 7 iron carries about 157-158m according to sim data I got (~170 yards). Seeking a set of irons with more workability and distance control as I struggle to hit shots that aren't a full swing and I'd like to be able to hit more of a fade than my current irons. The Takomo fitting tool online has suggested the 301 CBs.

Everything looks pretty good but I have some reservation around going to weaker lofts and losing a lot of distance (e.g. my 7 iron is 30.5 degree loft but the Takomo is 34 degrees). With the pitching wedge being basically the same loft as my current gap wedge I'm thinking it could be as simple as trading out a wedge for a driving iron or a 7 wood if I find that I've lost a little distance on the long end of the irons.

Anyone else made the switch from stronger lofted irons to Takomo 301s? How did you find the transition?