Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique traits to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that provides a satisfying combination of poppy, clacky sounds and smoothness, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience along with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature that is both bassy and frictionless. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to budget-conscious enthusiasts, the Durock Piano's unique typing experience may be worth the investment. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In comparison, the Durock Piano uses a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate, the Piano's POM blend top housing provides a different sound experience that is equally impressive.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Durock Piano also incorporates a proprietary POM blend material for its bottom housing, contributing to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both switches offer different sound experiences based on their choice of bottom housing material.
When considering the impact each housing material has on the switch, it is important to note that the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Durock Piano may have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a high-quality sound experience for users, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a sharper sound profile and the Durock Piano providing a deeper sound profile.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. This means that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Piano may be favored by individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Durock Piano offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which could lead to a different typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter travel distance option compared to the Durock Piano linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Durock Piano may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro being the shorter option and the Durock Piano being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for switch feel and performance.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 linear switch provides a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrancy to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep and creamy sound profile with a bassy undertone, creating a rich auditory experience during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal taste and the overall sound profile desired for your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, providing gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation. This results in a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, with smooth key travel and effortless key presses that minimize any sense of resistance. Both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing feel, making them suitable for users looking for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy, clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel, while the Durock Piano offers a deep, creamy sound and a frictionless, silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or typing feel, you can choose between these two switches to customize your mechanical keyboard according to your preferences and typing style. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, creamy sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Durock Piano linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and budget constraints. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
