Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When evaluating mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Koala stand out as compelling choices for tactile enthusiasts. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump and a distinctive, bass-heavy sound signature that adds an exhilarating auditory element to typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a loud and engaging keystroke experience. In contrast, the Durock Koala offers a balanced approach with its stepped tactile design—providing a satisfying bump without overwhelming the user, while its resonance remains subtly present, ensuring a quieter typing experience. For users who desire a pronounced feel but appreciate a more muted sound, the Koala could be the better fit. Each switch caters to different preferences in tactile feedback and acoustics, highlighting the rich variety available for mechanical keyboard aficionados. 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
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
4.00 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
Both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Koala utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which has significant implications for the auditory and aesthetic qualities of the switches. Because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, both switches are designed to deliver a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing light to permeate through the housing beautifully, thus providing a glowing effect that is visually pleasing. This similarity ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a lively and bright illumination when the lighting is activated, as well as similarly resonant sounds during key presses and releases.
In contrast, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon, which is known for its softer characteristics. The presence of nylon in the construction leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts markedly with the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Because nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, both switches share this attribute in their bottom housing, resulting in a dulled and rounded bottom-out sound. This means that while the top housing contributes to the initial sound upon key release, the nylon base plays a significant role in how the key feels and sounds upon bottoming out, ensuring a rich tactile experience for users across both models.
Ultimately, the synergy in materials between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Koala creates a comparable user experience in terms of sound and feel. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing for clarity and brightness, paired with a nylon bottom housing for warmth and depth, ensures that both switches produce a balanced auditory signature. Whichever switch is chosen, the user can expect a typing experience that is engaging and dynamic, with the unique qualities of the respective housings rendering a cohesive performance that satisfies both sound aesthetics and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch present contrasting typing experiences when considering actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features 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 more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In comparison, the Durock Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, although its actuation force is unspecified. However, given the Koala's stronger bottom out force, it suggests a more substantial tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push feel while typing. Ultimately, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro being lighter and more suitable for extended use, it appeals to those valuing comfort, while the Koala's heavier characteristics may attract those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it shallower compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quick key presses and faster response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Koala switch can give a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and hearty typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro being the shorter option and the Durock Koala offering a longer travel distance.
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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 switches are characterized by their loud, bass-heavy auditory signature that projects a vibrant sound profile. This makes them particularly prominent in environments where auditory feedback can be appreciated, akin to a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Koala switches offer a more neutral sound, with a low-pitched tone that delivers a mellower auditory footprint. While they still provide some resonance, they are not overly loud, making them suitable for both quiet and louder settings. Overall, if you're after a richer, more pronounced sound, the Creamy Purple Pro will certainly deliver, but the Koala might suit those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is typified by a pronounced tactile bump that can be invigorating during typing. This tactile feedback is quite satisfying for those who enjoy a prominent sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Koala switches feature a stepped tactile design that offers a medium level of tactility, meaning users will experience a pronounced bump without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the Koala is polished and refined, allowing for a smooth typing experience, while also being relatively stiff, requiring a bit more force during actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a more dramatic tactile feedback, the Creamy Purple Pro will stand out, while the Koala provides a balanced approach that can accommodate varying typing preferences.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches stand out with their bold, loud sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making them ideal for enthusiasts who crave auditory and tactile stimulation. Alternatively, the Durock Koala switches offer a more balanced combination of sound and feel, permitting a refined and nuanced typing experience that isn't as intrusive. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding sound volume and tactile engagement—both switch options can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but the nuances will resonate differently with individual users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Koala tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter key feel and are drawn to a pronounced tactile bump paired with a loud, bass-heavy sound, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent fit for you. These switches cater well to those who favor a vibrant auditory experience and a tactile response that is immediately noticeable, making them ideal for gaming or typists who appreciate sharper feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced switch with a medium-heavy actuation force that still provides a satisfying tactile response without overwhelming sound, the Durock Koala might be more suited to your needs. Their polished and stepped feel offers a smooth typing experience with tactile feedback that feels nuanced and refined, striking a perfect balance for both work and casual use. In essence, consider the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for a lively typing experience and sound, while the Koala will serve well if you desire something more understated yet still fulfilling.
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