Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Durock Ice King Linear, a linear switch, it's apparent that both have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, offering a poppy and clacky sound profile along with smooth tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its nylon construction and factory lube. While the Akko switch provides a lively and audible typing sensation, the Durock switch offers a more subdued and frictionless feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may suit different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
52g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing whereas the Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences for typing experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Ice King Linear opt for a nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing of a switch may not have as significant of an impact on the overall sound and feel compared to the top housing, the use of nylon in this component ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality for both switch designs.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear plays a critical role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro showcases the characteristics of polycarbonate in its top housing for a crisper sound, the Ice King Linear relies on nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, underscoring a commitment to providing a consistent typing experience with an emphasis on sound quality. Whether one prefers a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Ice King Linear. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a slightly heavier feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces. If someone prefers a lighter typing experience, they may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may choose the Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch. While both switches are within a similar range and offer a good balance between shallow and deep travel distances, the Ice King Linear switch offers a slightly deeper press. For those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press, the Ice King Linear switch may be the preferred option. On the other hand, if a shorter travel distance is preferred for quicker response times, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, but the minor difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel for some users.
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 Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with their creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, and the choice between the two will ultimately depend on the user's preference for a louder and more pronounced sound or a quieter and more understated sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feel with a prominent amount of tactility, a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth key travel experience due to factory lubing. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches are described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, a buttery typing sensation, and a sleek typing experience due to factory lubing or specific materials used. Both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the choice between the two depending on the user's preference for a more tactile and bouncy feel or a smoother and more frictionless feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their poppy sound profile and bouncy tactile feel, the Ice King Linear switches provide a more subdued sound and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a lively, audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a subtle sound signature, the Durock Ice King Linear could be the ideal switch for your needs. Consider your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision to ensure that you find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and requirements.
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