Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Mamba, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly price point without sacrificing quality, offering a satisfying poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and provides a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. While the Cream Black Pro is known for its 'Creamy' and 'Snappy' feel, the Mamba is described as 'Neutral' and 'Thocky'. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In terms of materials, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Mamba both offer unique options for housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Mamba boasts a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a more pleasant and bright sound profile. While both materials provide different sound profiles, they both prioritize a clear and resonant sound experience, catering to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Black Pro showcases a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Despite the difference in materials, both housings aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switch by providing distinct qualities that cater to different sound preferences.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Mamba serve different purposes in enhancing sound profiles, they both contribute to creating a unique typing experience. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings allows users to feel the impact of each material based on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro or the pleasant and bright sound of the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing of the Mamba, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to diverse sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the Durock Mamba linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a key role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, putting it in the medium category. In terms of weight, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Mamba is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter feel of the Mamba and others opting for the heavier push of the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Durock Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users, but if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Durock Mamba may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct sound when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a hint of thockiness, resulting in a more moderate and satisfying typing sound that is suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps.
In regards to feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is characterized by its creamy and bouncy typing sensation, offering a smooth and buttery experience with a lively feedback upon key press. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and polished, providing a refined and responsive typing feel. Conversely, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, along with the polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizing a more dynamic and springy feel compared to the more gentle and approachable feel of the Mamba switch.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro excels in its high-pitched and bouncy sound profile, along with its creamy and snappy typing feel, catering to those who enjoy a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, paired with a mild and polished typing feel that appeals to a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches or the Durock Mamba linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and bouncy typing sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, then the Durock Mamba switches may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so be sure to consider these factors when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Durock Mamba switches depends on what tactile and auditory experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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