Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Lupine present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and a bass-heavy sound signature, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy a more engaging and responsive typing experience. Its polished and bouncy characteristics add to the exhilaration, perfect for typists who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine offers a smooth and linear typing experience, characterized by its well-balanced weight distribution and clacky sound profile. These switches excel in providing consistent keystrokes that feel efficient and fluid, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who thrive on tactile feedback, the Lupine caters to users who desire smoothness and consistency in their typing. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Lupine present a clear similarity in their top housing composition, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for each switch, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Since both switches feature clear housings, this not only suggets aesthetic appeal—allowing for RGB lighting to shine through—but also ensures that users can expect similar auditory characteristics when actuating keys. Whether one is typing or gaming, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches effectively delivers a lively and bright sound.
On the other hand, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Lupine employ nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic qualities. This material absorbs sound more effectively, which results in a more rounded and nuanced auditory experience when typing. Therefore, while the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the transition sounds upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a rich contrast. Both switches will thus deliver a well-rounded auditory experience, balancing the sharper tones from the tops with the deeper notes generated by the bottoms.
In essence, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Lupine allows for a distinctive harmony of sounds. Despite their identical housing materials, subtle auditory nuances will arise due to the individual design elements and build quality of each switch. Consequently, users can expect a consistent yet layered typing experience, one where the sharper sounds of the top housing complement the fullness of the bottom housing. The tonal dynamics derived from this pairing will yield a pleasantly satisfying acoustic profile, making both switches appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking optimal performance and sound design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, notable differences arise in their 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 suitable for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Lupine does not specify an actuation force (labeled as None grams), but its bottom out force is 62 grams, indicating a heavier feel overall. As a result, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a softer typing experience, the Lupine is geared towards users who prefer a more substantial push with its heavier bottoming out force. Thus, individuals seeking a lighter switch should opt for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those desiring a firmer resistance should consider the Durock Lupine.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Lupine offers a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference highlights the preferences that may sway potential users towards one switch or the other. Gamers, who often prioritize speed and quick responses, might lean towards the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for its more responsive feel. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress and a deeper feedback might prefer the Durock Lupine with its longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, if you seek swift actuation, the shorter Akko switch is the better choice; if you favor a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, then the Durock switch would be more suitable.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with a loud and bassy sound signature, providing a strong auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switches produce a classic clacky sound profile, which leans towards a sharper and more neutral tone. While the Creamy Purple Pro’s bass-heavy output might appeal to those who appreciate lower frequencies, the Lupine offers a versatile sound that is suitable for various environments, with its characteristics making it a good option whether you're a beginner or more experienced.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is multifaceted; it offers a polished, bouncy experience with an invigorating tactile bump that delivers a firm actuation force and a snappy responsiveness. This combination results in a typing sensation that is both immersive and engaging, catering well to users who prefer a more tactile interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, the Durock Lupine switches are more mild in their feedback but still polished, providing a smoother and gentler typing experience. This makes the Lupine a more approachable choice for those who appreciate a comfortable touch without the overwhelming characteristics of more tactile switches, offering a balanced feel overall.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Lupine switches each provide unique experiences, their characteristics highlight different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Creamy Purple Pro shines with its robust sound and invigorating tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy pronounced sensations and auditory responses. The Lupine, on the other hand, appeals to those who favor a smoother, more neutral typing environment enhanced by its polished feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, and your choice will depend on your personal preference for tactile engagement and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile experience and appreciate much of the feedback when typing, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely your best bet. Its lighter actuation force, pronounced tactile bump, and vibrant sound profile make it an excellent choice for those who seek an engaging and immersive typing experience, particularly in a casual or gaming setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more consistent feel with a medium actuation force, the Durock Lupine linear switch could be more suitable. Its neutral sound profile and gentle, polished feedback make it versatile enough for various environments, whether you're working from home or in an office setting. Ultimately, consider your preferences for tactility and sound when making your decision, as each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
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