Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. With its poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and bouncy nature, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a creamy and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a unique typing experience with its pastel colors, dry and airy feel, and weightlessness despite its 62g bottom-out force. If you prefer a frictionless, mild, and feathery typing experience with a hollow sound signature, then the Sea Glass switch might be the perfect choice for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Sea Glass, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that produces a pleasant and brighter sound. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both cater to users who appreciate a distinct auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the Sea Glass employs a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing that complements the top housing's bright sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the sound and feel generated by their bottom housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Durock Sea Glass play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the V3 Cream Black Pro prioritizes a clearer and resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Sea Glass offers a unique blend that results in a pleasant and brighter sound. Whether users prefer a sharper sound profile or a more rounded one, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ultimately providing users with a customizable typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see a difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Glass at 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires 65 grams while the Sea Glass only needs 62 grams. This makes the Sea Glass a lighter option overall. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Sea Glass offers a medium feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Black Pro catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel, and the Sea Glass being a lighter option better suited for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Ultimately, selecting a switch with the preferred travel distance depends on individual preference for responsiveness and key press 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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switches are best described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switches emit a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a distinct auditory experience. Both switches offer a different sound profile, so the choice between them will depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
When discussing feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a creamy and bouncy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery feel complemented by a spring-like feedback sensation. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless and feathery typing experience, characterized by extremely smooth key presses and requiring little exertion from the fingers. Again, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a more buttery and bouncy typing feel or a frictionless and feathery one.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Durock Sea Glass linear switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Black Pro switches are known for their high-pitched sound and creamy, bouncy typing experience, while the Sea Glass switches offer a hollow sound signature and a frictionless, feathery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, either of these switches would make a great choice for a mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched and bouncy typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium bottom out force and desire a frictionless and feathery typing experience with a mild and easy-to-press feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch is the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and key characteristics. Choose wisely based on your typing preferences and enjoy the unique experience each switch has to offer.
Mentioned in this article
