Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Daybreak represent two distinct but appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch celebrated for its prominent tactile bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound signature, making it an exhilarating choice for those who relish the feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak offers a smooth, linear experience characterized by its substantial 67g actuation force, ideal for users who prefer a more heftier feel without the auditory clatter, thus making it well-suited for quieter environments like offices. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a muted, smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Daybreak share notable similarities in their housing materials, particularly with their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant auditory experience, resulting in a higher-pitched sound when keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, especially under RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing for gamers and typists alike. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience when utilizing either model, as the polycarbonate top housing plays a significant role in sound projection.
In contrast, the two switches exhibit differences in their bottom housing materials. Both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Daybreak feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings. Nylon's softer composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively dampening sound when the keys bottom out. While the top polycarbonate housing delivers a crisper sound upon release, the nylon bottom adds depth to the overall acoustic experience. This combination of materials allows for a balance between crispness from the polycarbonate and the rounded sound from the nylon, creating a more nuanced typing experience.
Ultimately, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Daybreak share similarities in their top housing material with polycarbonate, they complement each other through their respective bottom housing of nylon. This synergy between the two materials allows users to enjoy a rounded key-bottoming sound alongside a sharper key-releasing profile. As such, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing grants both switches similar high-pitched sound characteristics, while the nylon base maintains a unique depth, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience tailored to the preferences of typists and gamers.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lightweight feel, allowing for extended typing and gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak switch presents a heavier typing experience with an unknown actuation force, but a notable bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier resistance can provide a more substantial tactile feedback for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Consequently, while the Akko switch is lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, the Durock switch caters to those seeking a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience. The Creamy Purple Pro's shallower travel caters to those who prefer a snappier response, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Daybreak's longer travel allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in their typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its loud and invigorating audio profile, characterized by a bass-heavy tone. This switch produces a pronounced auditory feedback that can be exhilarating for typists who enjoy a more engaging sound experience. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is designed to be much quieter, with a muted, low-pitched sound that keeps typing noise to a minimum. This makes the Daybreak more suitable for shared workspaces or environments where silence is valued, as it minimizes the sound typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, the difference is stark, with one appealing to those who revel in clatter, while the other serves those who prefer discretion.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch boasts a large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a distinctive sensation during typing that many find satisfying and engaging. This tactile feedback enhances the typing experience, making it easier to register key presses without having to rely solely on auditory cues. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak emphasizes a polished smoothness that results from either high-quality materials or factory lubing. This polished feel offers a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, catering to those who prefer a fluid motion without tactile interruptions. While the Creamy Purple Pro delivers an impactful tactile experience, the Daybreak switch seeks to provide a refined, seamless touch.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Daybreak linear switches present contrasting profiles in both sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud, bass-heavy sound signature paired with invigorating tactile feedback, perfect for users seeking an engaging auditory and sensory experience. Conversely, the Durock Daybreak excels with its muted operation and polished smoothness, appealing to typists who desire a quieter, more seamless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound dynamics and tactile sensations, leading you to select the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a light touch with pronounced tactile feedback and don't mind a louder sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force, playful tactile bump, and bassier sound can elevate your typing experience if you're into gaming or enjoy satisfying feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a quieter operation, the Durock Daybreak would be better suited for your setup. Its heavier 67g actuation force offers a solid typing experience ideal for prolonged work sessions, while its polished, muted sound profile ensures you can type away without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and environment—whether you crave tactile feedback and an engaging sound with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or a smooth, heavy touch with subtle acoustics from the Daybreak switch.
Mentioned in this article
