Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, we see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored for its budget-friendly price point and offers a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, appealing to those seeking a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, inspired by Kobe Bryant, provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Mamba, it is evident that they offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. While both materials are unique in their own right, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro lends itself well to RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the blend used in the Mamba top housing distinguishes itself with its unique sound qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Mamba incorporates a POM bottom housing, which produces a more muted and deeper sound profile. These differences in material composition directly impact the sound and feel of the switches, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a rounder sound profile thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while the Mamba delivers a more subdued sound with its POM bottom housing.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Mamba both offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences through their housing materials, they cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound with a sharper pitch, ideal for those who enjoy a bright and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the blend used in the Mamba's top housing creates a pleasant and brighter sound that may appeal to users seeking a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equally heavy in that aspect. However, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Durock Mamba's actuation force remains a mystery. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the difference of 0.2 mm may be noticeable to some users, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a slightly shallower press compared to the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback is desired during typing or gaming sessions.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 is known for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel, providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy sensation when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant. In terms of sound, while the Cream Yellow Pro has a unique sound profile, the Mamba is described as having a neutral sound suitable for most purposes or a thocky sound for a deep, satisfying press. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow Pro offers options like easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, enhancing the typing experience with its responsive and low-impact feel, while the Mamba provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so selecting between them would depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, if you're looking for similar results, both switches offer a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba could be the ideal option. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium actuation force suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
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