Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Daybreak are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features catering to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak is a linear switch that offers a heftier typing experience with its 67g actuation force, but remains quiet and muted, making it suitable for quiet work environments. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro is more bouncy and snappy, the Daybreak is more polished and low-pitched. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper beyond these generalities will help you best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Daybreak utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound that is especially enhanced when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing adds a modern and sleek look to both keyboards, enhancing the overall appearance.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Daybreak also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience that some users may prefer for a more muted typing sound.
Overall, both keyboards offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to the sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. While the top housing made of polycarbonate creates a crisp and resonant sound, the bottom housing constructed with nylon adds depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. Despite these differences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Daybreak, thanks to the high-quality materials used in their construction.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Daybreak linear switch, which does not have a specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is also lighter at 55 grams, whereas the Daybreak has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that typing on the V3 Cream Blue Pro may feel more effortless due to the lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Daybreak's heavier bottom out force may provide a more solid and substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Daybreak linear switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to each keystroke for those who prefer a bit more resistance. 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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound, making it a quieter option suitable for workspaces where noise reduction is important. When it comes to the feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Daybreak is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. If you prefer a more audible and tactile experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the way to go. However, if you value a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Durock Daybreak would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options within their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a lively and tactile typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be the ideal choice for you. With a medium-light bottom out force and a distinct poppy sound profile, these switches offer a harmonious blend of feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier touch and a quieter typing experience, the Durock Daybreak linear switches with their medium-heavy bottom out force would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and budget, ensuring that you have a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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