Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to customizing your mechanical keyboard experience, the choice of switch can dramatically influence both feel and sound. Two noteworthy contenders in the realm of keyboard switches are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Mamba. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing an invigorating typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially with its bass-heavy auditory feedback that delivers a loud, distinctive sound. In contrast, the Durock Mamba pays homage to legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant and is distinguished by its smooth linear motion, offering a gliding sensation with a rich and creamy auditory profile that many typists appreciate for its subtlety and elegance. While the tactile appeal of the Creamy Purple Pro can enhance the thrill of typing, the silky fluidity of the Mamba makes it a favorite for those seeking speed and precision in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Mamba, distinct differences emerge in the construction of the top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer plastic composition, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically favorable choice for visually oriented keyboard enthusiasts. Conversely, the Mamba’s top housing is crafted from a unique polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant, albeit brighter rather than sharp. While both materials serve to enhance sound, the V3's polycarbonate offers a more pronounced resonance, while the Mamba's blend provides a softer, brighter character.
Turning to the bottom housings, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is equipped with nylon, a traditional material that is softer and more absorptive, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the Mamba's POM bottom housing that delivers a muted, deeper sound. In this scenario, one can expect that the impact of the nylon will create a rounder sound when typing, contributing to a warmer experience, while the POM bottom further enhances this muted quality for a still pleasant but slightly different auditory result. Ultimately, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound at the bottom-out position, significantly influencing the typing experience.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Mamba utilize different materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the contrast in sound profiles is significant. The combination of a sharper top with a fuller bottom in the V3 gives it a distinct identity, while the Mamba achieves a balance that leans towards brightness without losing depth. Ultimately, the characteristics of each housing material will blend to create a unique typing experience, but understanding these differences can help enthusiasts appreciate the nuances in sound and feel between the two switches, regardless of the mixed material usage.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence the typing experience. 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 prolonged typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Durock Mamba lacks a specified actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that while the Mamba may require a higher force when fully pressed down, its actuation force remains unknown. Consequently, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a lighter touch, favoring those who prefer less effort in their keystrokes, while the Durock Mamba likely offers a more substantial feel due to its heavier bottom out, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch would benefit from the Akko V3, while the Durock Mamba suits those who favor a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we find distinct differences that may influence user preference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Durock Mamba has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Mamba, with its additional half-millimeter of travel, may provide a more pronounced feedback for those who appreciate a deeper press. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro lends itself to quicker actuation, making it potentially more favorable for gamers seeking rapid response times. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the superior choice, while those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience might opt for the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference regarding the balance between speed and depth in keypress feel.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 tactile switch delivers a loud auditory experience characterized by a bassier pitch, appealing to those who enjoy pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. This can create a satisfying and energizing environment, especially beneficial for enthusiasts who appreciate robust sound profiles. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature, coupled with a thocky quality that produces a deep, rich sound upon keypresses. The Mamba’s auditory experience leans towards a subtle richness that many users find enjoyable, making it suitable for various settings, whether home or work. However, both switches' sound can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard frame and keycap materials, highlighting the influence of external factors on sound quality.
When examining feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its robust tactile bump, providing a significant tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. This tactile nature can energize typing sessions and assist users in developing a better sense of key actuation. Conversely, the Durock Mamba is known for its mild and polished characteristics. This means that the Mamba offers a smooth typing experience with a gentle, approachable feedback that caters to users looking for a less intense sensation. The polished feel reduces friction, allowing for effortless key travel, which can be appealing for those who prefer a smooth and refined typing experience.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud, tactile typing experience with a significant bump, the Durock Mamba emphasizes smoothness and a balanced sound, making it versatile for various typing needs. The differences in tactile feedback and auditory qualities might lead a user to prefer one switch over the other based on personal preferences for sensation and sound. However, both can deliver satisfying encounters depending on what you're looking for in a keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to whether you desire an invigorating tactile response or a more laid-back, polished typing feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences for typing experience and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel with a satisfying bump and don’t mind a louder auditory feedback—along with a lighter keypress force—then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent choice. It's perfect for typists who want a more engaging typing experience and thrive in creative or relaxed settings. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, the Durock Mamba would suit you better. Its medium actuation force and polished feel provide a balanced and comfortable experience, making it ideal for both work and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your selection hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth, linear keypress with a neutral profile.
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