Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, we see two excellent options tailored for tactile typing enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, boasting a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile with smooth actuation, perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback and a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying blend of smoothness and tactility. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile, it's clear that both switches use a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound and feel produced by the bottom housing.
However, the top housing materials of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and Ice King Tactile differ significantly. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness and ability to resonate sound more clearly. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials will result in a noticeable difference in sound profiles between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, users will need to decide which sound profile aligns best with their preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In comparison, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch. The difference in weight between these two switches can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Akko V3 for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier push feel of the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel one is looking for.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Ice King Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. These differences may be subtle, but they can have an impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a more responsive feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a more deliberate keystroke, the Ice King Tactile with its slightly longer travel distance could be the preferred option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique typing experiences, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
The V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that complements its creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened yet satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being more vibrant and the Ice King Tactile being more subtle.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a lively feel and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile switch is defined as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing experience with a mild tactile bump and fluid key travel. While both switches prioritize smoothness and tactility, the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards a more energetic typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile focuses on a refined and effortless feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a vibrant and tactile typing experience with a poppy sound profile, while the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued yet smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches deliver exceptional quality within their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more poppy, clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a symphony of touch with a uniquely satisfying tactile experience, then the Ice King Tactile switch is the better choice for you. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and suits your individual preferences.
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