Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Mamba offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with an enjoyable auditory experience accompanied by a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba is a linear switch that offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', and 'Snappy', the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Thocky'. Each switch has its unique qualities that appeal to different users depending on their 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Mamba, one notable difference is in the top housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a pleasant, bright sound profile without being overly sharp. Both materials have unique characteristics that cater to different sound preferences, with polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound, while the blend used in the Mamba offers a brighter tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, another difference arises between the two switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that offers a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side with a relatively more muted tone. These differences in bottom housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the deeper and muted sound of POM.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Mamba, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Mamba provides a unique and pleasant sound with its blend top housing and POM bottom housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles, and users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from each switch despite the differences in materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams compared to the Mamba which does not specify its actuation force. The bottom out force for the V3 Cream Blue Pro is 55 grams, while the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Mamba is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro for a more extended typing or gaming experience, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Mamba. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is clear that the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm. While this may seem like a small difference, it can have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. If you are someone who prefers a more responsive keypress, you may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper keypress with more travel, the Durock Mamba may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so you can expect to get comparable results in terms of feel and performance from either option.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 tactile switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a rich and creamy auditory experience with a thocky sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro being more lively and audible, while the Mamba provides a deeper and more satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback that is not overly aggressive, making it ideal for those who enjoy a medium level of tactility with a smooth and refined finish. In comparison, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches provide a smooth key travel experience, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more lively and responsive feel, while the Mamba offers a gentler typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue Pro provides a lively and poppy sound profile with a bouncy and snappy tactile feel, while the Mamba offers a rich and creamy auditory experience with a mild and polished typing sensation. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options within their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a lively, audible feedback coupled with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gliding typing experience with a rich and creamy auditory feedback, the Durock Mamba linear switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing style and sound preference when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
