Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly appeal while still delivering high-quality performance. Known for its unique poppy and clacky sound, this linear switch offers a smooth typing experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a different typing experience with its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar level of sound clarity and resonance from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be heavily influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and resonance from both switches' bottom housings.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile share similarities in their choice of housing materials, they also showcase differences in terms of their sound profiles. Both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housings to deliver a clear and resonant sound, while utilizing nylon for their bottom housings to create a deeper and fuller typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a unique combination of qualities from each switch, with the top and bottom housings playing distinctive roles in shaping the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has a force of unknown grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in that aspect. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a more substantial push feel, catering to those who enjoy a stronger typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force. If a lighter actuation force is desired, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be the better option, while those looking for a heavier typing experience may prefer the Durock Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar bottom out force, resulting in comparable results in terms of typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Akko switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, particularly gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Durock switch may provide a more satisfying, deeper key press for some users. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, with the Akko switch being shorter and the Durock switch being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Black Pro linear switch is best known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, providing a sharp and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique touch to the typing experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, catering to different preferences in terms of auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively feel and enhanced responsiveness. On the contrary, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized by its accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, providing a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. While the Cream Black Pro switch focuses on smoothness and responsiveness, the Medium Tactile switch emphasizes a balanced tactile sensation for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback, users can choose between the high-pitched and creamy typing experience of the Cream Black Pro switch or the jelly-like and balanced tactility of the Medium Tactile switch. Both switches provide unique attributes that can enhance the typing experience, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, or polished typing experience, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a jelly-like sound signature and an accented, stepped, mild, or polished tactile feel, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire in a keyboard switch.
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