Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the contrast between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile is striking, yet both offer unique benefits that cater to distinct typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its invigorating tactile bump and pronounced audio feedback, delivering a loud, bass-heavy sound that can energize your typing experience. It’s ideal for those who thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile elevates the tactile experience by seamlessly blending smoothness with a refined tactile bump, offering a silky, frictionless feel that is both pleasantly subdued and remarkably polished. This creates a satisfying typing experience that appeals to users looking for a balance between feedback and smooth actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches, a striking contrast emerges, particularly in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This relative stiffness allows for a crisp auditory experience that excels in environments with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile opts for nylon as its top housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience, which may appeal to those seeking a more muted acoustic characteristic.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a similarity that enhances the user experience. Both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile feature nylon for their bottom housings, thereby creating a consistent and deep sound profile during typing. Nylon's tendency to absorb sound leads to a dissociative acoustic quality that is evident when engaging with either switch. Consequently, despite the different materials used in the top housings, typing on either switch will yield similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon contributes significantly to the overall acoustic nature of both switches.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Ice King Tactile switches showcase the distinct impact of their respective top housing materials on sound while sharing the same bottom housing benefits. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels in producing a clearer sound profile, particularly under RGB lighting conditions, while the nylon top of the Ice King Tactile fosters a fuller, more cushioned audio experience. The nylon bottom housings in both switches, however, harmonize their acoustic output, underlying a commonality that ensures a richness in sound irrespective of the top materials’ contrasting effects. Thus, while users might experience different auditory profiles based on the switch, they can expect a consistent, satisfying bottom-out sound across the board due to the shared nylon composition.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Its bottom-out force is 50 grams, which also maintains a lightweight feel throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom-out force of 68 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience that some users may find preferable. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch may gravitate toward the Akko option, while users seeking a firmer push should consider the Durock switch for its additional weight. Overall, these differences present clear options for varying user preferences in force sensitivity during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option that caters to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers who appreciate rapid key presses. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes. This extra half millimeter can make a significant difference for users who find shorter distances too abrupt, thus enhancing the overall typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile sensation. Therefore, if you lean towards responsiveness, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Durock Ice King would suit those seeking a more measured tactile response.
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 Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 sound profile of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by a loud sound signature that has a bassier pitch, making it a prominent choice for those who enjoy audible feedback during typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened quality that strikes a balance between pleasantly noticeable and unobtrusive. This means that while both switches provide auditory feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will be much more noticeable and engaging, while the Ice King Tactile lends itself to quieter environments where a more subdued sound signature is preferred.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for delivering a large and invigorating tactile bump, ensuring that each keystroke is distinctly felt. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it satisfying for those who appreciate noticeable actuation. Meanwhile, the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a combination of silky smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, creating a luxurious typing experience that minimizes resistance. Its stepped design also adds a unique dimension, allowing users to experience a fluidity that feels refined yet responsive. Therefore, while both switches feature tactile bumps, the Ice King Tactile offers a more complex and smooth journey with its frictionless and polished characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches deliver distinct tactile experiences tailored for different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud and bold auditory feedback and invigorating tactile response, making it an excellent choice for those who revel in pronounced actuation. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile combines a more subdued auditory profile with a silky, polished feel that enhances overall typing smoothness and satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize loud, tactile feedback or a smoother, subtler experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a loud, bassy sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be your ideal choice. This switch is well-suited for speedy typists or gamers who appreciate the satisfying feedback without the strain of heavier springs. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more nuanced tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a silky, frictionless feel, you might prefer the Durock Ice King Tactile. This switch offers a harmonious balance of smoothness and tactility, catering to those who relish a more refined and subtle typing experience. Whether you lean towards the energetic feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro or the sophisticated elegance of the Ice King Tactile, each switch has its distinct appeal, ensuring that your typing experience is tailored to your preferences.
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