Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile both offer unique characteristics catered to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and tactile sensation, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who enjoy a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile boasts a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, appealing to users looking for a more pronounced tactile experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 Medium Tactile, both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The Medium Tactile also uses nylon for the bottom housing, providing similar acoustic benefits.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in these switches showcases how each material contributes to the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. The polycarbonate top housing focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound profile when pressing down on a key, while the nylon bottom housing influences the sound when bottoming out. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a balance of sharpness and depth in its sound profile, while the Medium Tactile achieves a similar effect by using nylon for both housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of these switches demonstrate the importance of material selection in achieving specific sound profiles for mechanical keyboards. Both polycarbonate and nylon have distinct acoustic properties that impact the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate providing a crisper sound and nylon offering a fuller sound. Whether one prefers a sharper sound with the V3 Cream Blue Pro or a deeper sound with the Medium Tactile, understanding the characteristics of housing materials is essential in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences to the user. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Medium Tactile, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Medium Tactile offers a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Medium Tactile for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a longer distance compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a deeper press, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a 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 Medium Tactile features a jelly-like sound signature that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences and can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is accentuated by its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a responsive and lively typing experience. The switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing sensation with reduced friction. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a balanced tactility with a stepped feeling, providing a mild and approachable typing experience. Like the Akko switch, the Durock Medium Tactile is also polished for reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a seamless typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Durock Medium Tactile switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko switch provides a more pronounced tactility with a poppy sound profile, ideal for those seeking a lively and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock switch offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, providing a more mild and approachable typing sensation. Regardless of the choice between these switches, users can expect a smooth and polished typing experience with reduced friction and responsive feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Durock Medium Tactile switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches, consider your preferences in terms of bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a more distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with an accented, bouncy, and snappy typing feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a jelly-like sound signature paired with accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing feel, the Durock Medium Tactile may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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