Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are distinct features that make each stand out. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a budget-friendly option that delivers a satisfying tactile sensation with a poppy and clacky sound profile. It is ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience coupled with audibly pleasing feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch boasts a unique pastel color design and a dry, airy typing experience that defies expectations. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and easy to press, offering a frictionless typing 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Sea Glass, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes polycarbonate, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This is in contrast to the Sea Glass, which features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a more pleasant and bright sound profile. While both materials offer their own unique qualities, the polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic advantage to the switch.
The variation in housing materials extends to the bottom housing of these switches as well. The V3 Cream Blue Pro incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. In comparison, the Sea Glass presents a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant and bright. While both materials offer their own benefits, the use of nylon in the V3 Cream Blue Pro contributes to a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the brighter sound of the Sea Glass's unique blend.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Sea Glass feature different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, they each offer distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's use of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharper and fuller sound, while the Sea Glass's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE produces a brighter and pleasant sound. However, despite these differences, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience with their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the actuation force is the same at 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 62 grams, making the Sea Glass the heavier option. The V3 Cream Blue Pro would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sea Glass would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the difference in bottom out force provides users with options based on their preference for weight in a switch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Blue Pro tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sea Glass switch due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is loved for its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that's both lively and satisfying. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds a sense of airiness and lightness to the typing experience. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, so the choice between them would depend on the user's preference for sound in their mechanical keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is noted for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, providing a tactile sensation that is prominent yet not overwhelming, and a typing experience that feels smooth and refined. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch series is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and provides a comfortable feel for extended use. Both switches offer distinct tactile and typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and actuation force.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro provides a lively and tactile typing experience with a satisfying poppy sound, while the Sea Glass switch series offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience with a hollow sound signature. Depending on whether the user prefers a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother, lighter touch, they can choose between these two switches to customize their mechanical keyboard according to their preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique typing experience with pastel colors, a distinct dry and airy feel, and a weightless quality despite a slightly higher bottom-out force, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best resonates with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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