Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, you must consider your preferences and priorities. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a satisfying auditory experience coupled with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its nylon construction and factory lube. While the Akko switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Ice King Linear is characterized as silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities and benefits, so it ultimately comes down to 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
50g
Actuation force
52g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar experience in terms of typing sound and feel when bottoming out keys. The nylon material, being softer and more sound-absorbent, will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This shared feature between the two switches emphasizes the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the overall typing experience.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its polycarbonate construction, in contrast to the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonance. This difference in top housing material leads to a distinct typing sound and feel between the two switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro enhances the switch's sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and rounder sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Ice King Linear will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a sharper sound profile compared to the rounder sound of the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. Whether one prefers a crisper or deeper typing sound, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro at 60 grams and the Ice King Linear at 62 grams. This means that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may feel slightly lighter when initially pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar typing experience once fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push might lean towards the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and how much force the user desires when typing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Ice King Linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm, the Ice King Linear offers a slightly deeper press than the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Durock Ice King Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its satisfying poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but offers a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being more lively and the Ice King Linear being more understated.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a combination of gentle resistance, light actuation force, spring-like feedback, responsiveness, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, buttery key presses, and reduced friction. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort during typing, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro focusing on a responsive and low-impact feel while the Ice King Linear emphasizes a fluid and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivering a more vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, and the Ice King Linear offering a smoother and more understated typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are great options for those looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup with high-quality switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound and full nylon construction, the Ice King Linear is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and budget when choosing between these two excellent linear switches.
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