Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Piano are two standout options to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a unique poppy and clacky sound, along with exceptional smoothness, making it a top choice for budget-minded individuals seeking high-quality switches. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend that provides a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, offering a pleasant typing experience. While the Cream Black Pro is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Piano is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a deep and satisfying sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for the user.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Similarly, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which also offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both bottom housing materials aim to enhance the overall sound and feel of the switches they are used in, providing users with a more tactile and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Piano may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they ultimately share the goal of providing users with a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper sound profile of POM blend, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Piano, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Black Pro requiring 65 grams and the Piano needing 63.5 grams for bottoming out. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range in terms of force required. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider based on personal preferences. Those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel may choose the Durock Piano for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, which is shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast-paced action. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, while the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deeper and bassier sound signature. The V3 Cream Black Pro gives off a poppy and clacky noise, which can be sharp and noticeable during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a smooth and creamy sound, reminiscent of a deep and rich bass tone. Sound preference is subjective, so choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is characterized by its creamy and bouncy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, making typing feel like gliding on keys effortlessly. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches provide a spring-like feedback, giving users a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky feel, allowing for an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. The Piano switch enhances overall smoothness during typing sessions, providing a fluid travel for each keystroke.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Durock Piano linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its high-pitched sound and creamy, bouncy typing experience, while the Durock Piano switch provides a deep, bassy sound and a frictionless, silky typing feel. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. If a user enjoys a smooth and buttery typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, they may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch. However, if they prefer a deep and rich sound with a frictionless and silky typing feel, the Durock Piano switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bassy sound profile with a frictionless and silky typing feel, then the Durock Piano may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing experience preferences and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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