Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the Durock Piano, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, along with its smooth tactile sensation, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature that is especially pleasant for typing. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. While both materials provide clear sound quality, the polycarbonate may be favored for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend bottom housing also contributes to a satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend remain unknown. Despite their differences, both bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall sound experience of each switch, showcasing the importance of materials in keyboard customization.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Piano may vary in their housing materials, they both aim to provide a premium typing experience with unique sound profiles. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of POM blend, each switch offers a distinctive feel and sound quality. Regardless of the differences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option, as the materials have been carefully chosen to enhance the overall performance of these mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is 55 grams, while the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano offers a more substantial and satisfying keystroke with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being on the lighter side and the Durock Piano leaning towards a heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Piano's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with its creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature with a bassy quality, giving a rich and pleasant sound during key presses. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium level of tactility with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. While each switch excels in certain tactile qualities, both offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users looking for different levels of feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Blue Pro switch stands out with its lively and audible feedback, smoothness, and medium tactile feel, while the Piano switch excels in providing a deep and rich sound profile, along with a frictionless and silky typing experience. Whether you prefer a more tactile and audible feedback or a smooth and effortless typing feel, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of key feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, accompanied by a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep and bassy sound signature, then the Durock Piano switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider how you value key feel and sound when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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