Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Dolphin are two popular mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that provides a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is also a linear switch but stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal option for office environments or quiet workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a substantial feel while still maintaining precision and satisfaction in each press. 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
62g
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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Dolphin both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a similar sound and visual experience, making them both appealing choices for users looking for a particular sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Dolphin feature nylon housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches enhances the typing experience, providing a satisfying sound and feel. Despite the different top housings, the nylon bottom housings in both switches contribute to a similar typing experience, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in achieving the desired sound profile.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Dolphin offer a balanced combination of housing materials that cater to different sound preferences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in terms of bottom housing material, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound. Whether the preference is for a crisper sound with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or a rounder sound with the Dolphin, both switches deliver unique typing experiences that showcase the impact of housing materials on sound quality.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch both fall under the medium weight category, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being slightly lighter at 50 grams actuation force compared to the Dolphin's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, both switches offer similar results, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Dolphin linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial key press with more depth. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly common in keyboards today. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy, clacky sound that is vibrant and engaging, appealing to those who enjoy an auditory experience that adds excitement to their typing. On the other hand, the Dolphin switches provide a muted and low-pitched sound profile, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, catering to different preferences for keyboard sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable while providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Dolphin switches are also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness in their feel, making them suitable for long typing sessions.
Considering all available information, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Durock Dolphin switches offer distinctive qualities in sound and feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro brings a lively auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, while the Dolphin switches prioritize silence and precision in both sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for keyboard sound and typing experience. However, with both switches offering polished finishes for smooth key travel, users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and typing efficiency.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Dolphin linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for noise level and typing feel. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a satisfying auditory experience and creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch for a quieter workspace and enjoy a switch with a polished, smooth typing experience, the Durock Dolphin might be the better fit for you. Consider your environment and typing preferences when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and work environment.
Mentioned in this article
