Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, perfect for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches boast a captivating pastel color selection and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience, despite their smoothness and weightlessness. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro being easy-to-press and bouncy, and the Durock Sea Glass being frictionless and mild, 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The main difference between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Sea Glass lies in their housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is described as bright but not particularly sharp. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Sea Glass opts for a more pleasant and mellow sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro uses nylon, a classic housing material that delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. This is achieved through the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and produces a rounder, duller sound profile. In comparison, the Sea Glass also utilizes the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the materials used in their bottom housings, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro focusing on depth and fullness, while the Sea Glass provides a brighter and unique sound.
While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Durock Sea Glass have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall typing experience they provide may have some similarities. For example, both switches aim to offer a pleasant sound experience, whether it be through sharpness and clarity (V3 Cream Yellow Pro) or brightness and uniqueness (Sea Glass). The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro catering to those who prefer a crisper sound, while the Sea Glass is more suited for those looking for a brighter and more unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requiring 60 grams and the Sea Glass needing 62 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly heavier typing feel on the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while the Sea Glass might offer a slightly lighter touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly shallower feel when pressed compared to the Sea Glass. This difference in travel distance may appeal to different preferences - those who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Sea Glass. Both switches offer variations in travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing or gaming experience.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its poppy and clacky sound, providing users with a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a touch of character to typing sessions. While the Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound, the Sea Glass introduces a refreshing twist with its distinct dryness and wispiness. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, making them suitable choices for users looking to enhance their typing with a notable sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a low-impact and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized by its frictionless and mild feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to prioritize user comfort and ease of use, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Whether you prefer a more bouncy and snappy feel like the Cream Yellow Pro or a frictionless and polished feel like the Sea Glass, both switches offer unique tactile experiences to cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch each have their own strengths when it comes to sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Sea Glass stands out with its unique hollow sound and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback, but rest assured that both options offer a satisfying typing experience that will elevate your mechanical keyboard setup. Whether you opt for the Cream Yellow Pro or the Sea Glass, you can expect to enjoy a premium typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it all boils down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you are a budget-conscious enthusiast who enjoys a poppy, clacky sound combined with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by the captivating pastel colors and unique hollow sound signature of the Durock Sea Glass switches, as well as the weightlessness and frictionless nature they offer despite their 62g bottom-out force, then the Sea Glass switches may be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so it's all about finding the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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