Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is popular among budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch loved for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers an easy-to-press and bouncy experience, the Durock Medium Tactile provides an accented and stepped feel. Both switches are polished and offer unique features that cater to different preferences. 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
65g
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
In comparing the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. While both keyboards share this top housing material, they may offer slightly different sound profiles due to variations in design and construction.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile feature nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the keyboards may still provide slightly different typing experiences based on other factors such as switch design and keycap compatibility.
While both keyboards may utilize similar housing materials, the distribution of these materials between the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, whereas the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even if the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile share common housing materials, differences in design and layout may still result in unique typing sensations for each keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, leaning towards a medium-heavy feel. Choosing a lighter actuation force like the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force like the Durock Medium Tactile switch would offer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter in comparison to the Durock Medium Tactile switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Medium Tactile's 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 is praised for its poppy, clacky sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, creating a unique sound profile that some users may find appealing. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, it provides a feathery, bouncy feel that enhances the typing experience with its responsive and low-impact nature. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented and stepped, offering a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during use.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Durock Medium Tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a vibrant auditory experience with easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Medium Tactile switch offers a unique jelly-like sound signature with a balanced tactility that is appreciated by many users. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can contribute to a satisfying typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth and satisfying tactile feel that offers minimal resistance and a poppy sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced tactility, pronounced feedback, and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you prioritize—whether it be a creamy smoothness or a pronounced tactile feedback. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
