Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Dolphin mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile experience with a unique poppy and clacky sound profile that is both lively and smooth, perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback and a creamy sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin provides a linear switch option that is silent, making it ideal for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force, it offers a balanced feel between precision and resistance. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, venturing deeper into their features and performance will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Dolphin, it is evident that both keyboards have polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for top housings in keyboards. However, despite similarities in sound profile and aesthetics, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dolphin may still offer slight variations in the overall typing experience due to differences in other components.
Where the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the Durock Dolphin also features nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the use of nylon in the bottom housing may not be as visually striking as polycarbonate in the top housing, it plays a significant role in the overall sound experience of the keyboard.
Overall, the choice of materials for the top and bottom housings in keyboards such as the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Dolphin can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that each part contributes differently to the overall typing experience. While both keyboards offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings, the subtle differences in their nylon bottom housings may result in varying levels of depth and resonance in the sound produced during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Dolphin, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin has a heavier force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 55 grams. Both switches offer a medium level of force, but the Dolphin leans towards a heavier feel for those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. The V3 Cream Blue Pro would provide a slightly faster response time with its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer their own benefits based on personal preference, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switches are described as muted and low-pitched, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office environments or noise-sensitive settings. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation with a prominent amount of tactility, a spring-like feedback, super responsiveness, and a smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Durock Dolphin switches are also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches exhibit qualities that cater to users looking for a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, ideal for users seeking a budget-friendly option with quality sound and feel. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switches offer a silent typing experience with medium-heavy actuation force, catering to those who prioritize noise reduction and precision typing. Ultimately, both switches provide distinctive qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a lively, clicky feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a fantastic choice for you, especially if you are looking for quality within a budget. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter workspace and enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphin linear switches would be a perfect fit, offering a smooth and polished typing experience with a muted and low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Dolphin switches comes down to your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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