Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Daybreak mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are budget-friendly options loved for their poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, providing a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches stand out with their heavier 67g actuation force, offering a weightier typing experience and quiet operation suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Daybreak is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched'. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Daybreak feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, they may still have slight differences in sound and feel based on other factors such as stem design and overall construction.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Daybreak both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature helps to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound when typing. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the specific design and manufacturing processes of each switch may still contribute to variations in sound and typing experience.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can lead to a unique typing experience. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Daybreak share similarities in their housing materials, the specific design elements and construction of each switch can still result in subtle differences in sound and feel. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience in its own way.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is evident that they both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 50 grams of actuation force and 60 grams of bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better choice, as it allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. However, for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a stronger press feel, the Daybreak would offer a more substantial typing experience. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a consistent typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Durock Daybreak linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Daybreak switch provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may feel more comfortable for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired keypress responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that combines well with a smooth tactile feel, providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy touch. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch presents a muted and low-pitched sound, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is characterized by its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, enhancing the typing experience with responsive and low-impact key presses. The Daybreak switch shares the polished feature, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Overall, while the sound profiles of these switches differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics, catering to varying preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Daybreak linear switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium actuation force of 60 grams and a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice, especially for budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams and a quieter operation for workspaces, the Daybreak may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider your typing style and environment when making a decision.
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