Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Koala offer unique experiences catered to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that provides a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance for those who desire a pronounced bump without it dominating the entire keystroke. It offers a bit of resonance without being overly loud, appealing to users who appreciate a polished, low-pitched feel. While both switches have their strengths, 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
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
4.00 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 Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This material is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro takes it a step further by incorporating a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Koala's polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, as opposed to the Koala's polycarbonate bottom housing which elicits a crisper and sharper sound. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a different typing experience compared to the Durock Koala, with the former emphasizing a deeper sound on each keystroke and the latter focusing more on a sharper sound upon key release.
In terms of sound and feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a more well-rounded typing experience compared to the Durock Koala. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound upon key release, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs sound for a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Koala's all-polycarbonate housing emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile without the added depth and roundness that the nylon bottom housing provides in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, while the Durock Koala offers a more substantial feeling with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium range when it comes to actuation force, but the Koala leans towards the medium-heavy side with its higher bottom out force. Depending on individual preferences, some may find the lighter actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Koala for a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch. The Koala switch provides a deeper key press experience compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Gamers who value faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Durock Koala. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth 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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too loud or distracting. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Cream Yellow Pro being more vibrant and the Koala being more balanced and mellow.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a smooth and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the switch offers a bouncy and snappy sensation, enhancing the typing experience with its responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch boasts a polished finish for smooth key travel, an accented tactile feel that strikes a balance between subtlety and prominence, a stepped tactility that adds interest to each keystroke, and a stiff resistance that requires a higher amount of force to actuate.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own right. Whether you prefer a more vibrant and easy-to-press switch like the Cream Yellow Pro or a balanced and polished switch like the Koala, you can expect quality performance and unique characteristics from each option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, along with a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, along with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go, whereas if you prefer polished, accented, stepped, or stiff feel, the Durock Koala is the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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