Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro standouts with its pronounced tactile bump, offering typists a satisfying feedback with every keystroke, while its louder, bass-heavy sound signature adds an engaging auditory element to typing sessions. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable tactile response and enjoy a more pronounced sound that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches cater to users seeking a smoother, more effortless typing experience. Known for their silky feel and deep, creamy sound, the Pianos provide a gliding push sensation that many find pleasant, making them a prime choice for gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. While both switches have their unique appeals—tactile stimulus vs. smoothness of keystrokes—they also cater to different use cases and preferences. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Piano utilize distinctly different housing materials, which in turn influence their acoustic characteristics and tactile experiences. The V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its clarity and resonance. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more defined auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. Though specific details about this blend are not disclosed, it is designed to produce a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim for appealing sound quality, the V3 leans towards a crisper tone, whereas the Durock Piano focuses on a more rounded depth.
When we look at the bottom housings, both switches showcase a different approach to sound engineering. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In opposition, the Durock Piano also utilizes its proprietary POM blend for the bottom housing, which aims for a similar deep auditory experience. This leads to an interesting situation: if the top and bottom housings are different, the sonic qualities contributed by each material will have a divided effect on the overall typing experience. Therefore, while the V3 places emphasis on a stark high pitch on release due to its polycarbonate top, the Durock Piano could provide a more rounded overall sound owing to the uniformity of its POM blend in both top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, both switches display thoughtful designs in their materials that cater to distinct sound preferences. If a user desires switch performances that are analogous, they might find satisfaction in the deeper sound profile offered by the Durock Piano, while still enjoying the sharper notes produced by the V3 during key releases. The synergy of combined materials in each switch will dictate how sound is perceived, influencing everything from the bottom-out experience to the satisfying click when releasing a key. Therefore, although acoustically different, users can still attain satisfying results tailored to their preferences, depending on which qualities—sharpness from polycarbonate or depth from POM—they value more in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a notably higher bottom-out force of 63.5 grams; however, its actuation force is not specified. This suggests that the Piano switch may feel heavier overall, particularly for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while users of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will appreciate its light feel, making it ideal for extended use, those who lean toward a firmer touch might find the Durock Piano more suitable despite the unknown actuation force. Thus, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Durock Piano exhibits a heavier tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Durock Piano features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction can significantly affect the typing experience: the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is favored by gamers seeking faster response times, whereas the longer 4 mm distance of the Piano offers a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to personal preference—those seeking quick responsiveness may lean towards the Akko switch, while others who appreciate a more pronounced depth might opt for the Durock switch.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 deliver a loud and invigorating audio experience characterized by a bassier tone. This deeper sound signature can create a more immersive environment, especially in quieter settings. Conversely, the Durock Piano switches provide a gliding, deep, and creamy sound that emphasizes richness during key presses, offering a pleasant auditory experience without the jarring impacts associated with tactile switches. Both switches create a satisfying auditory profile, but the heavier and bass-heavy nature of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro contrasts with the smoother, subtler sound of the Piano switches.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with an invigorating tactile bump, providing a lively and responsive sensation when typing. This switch offers a polished, bouncy feedback, ensuring that each keystroke feels springy and engaging. It strikes a balance between pronounced tactility and smooth engagement, making it a fitting choice for those who appreciate both feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches stand out for their silky smoothness, creating a refined typing experience that minimizes resistance with each press. While they do not have the tactile bump associated with the Creamy Purple Pro, they provide a different, equally enjoyable feel that many users find to be wonderfully satisfying.
In summary, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Piano switches offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is perfect for individuals who enjoy a loud, tactile feel with a pronounced feedback sensation, whereas the Piano is ideal for those who prefer a smoother and quieter experience with a creamy sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you value the tactile engagement and bassy sound of the akko switch, or the smooth, deep auditory experience of the Durock Piano. Both can deliver enjoyable results based on your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences for feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter switch with pronounced tactile feedback and a more audible sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easier to actuate, which could be ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for quick response times. The invigorating tactile bump and bassy sounds will keep you engaged and provide a fulfilling auditory experience. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier key press that provides a silky smooth feel without any tactile interruption, the Durock Piano switch might be better suited to you. Its 63.5-gram bottom-out force offers a reassuring weight, perfect for deliberate typing, while its creamy sound profile delivers a rich auditory experience often associated with higher-end linear switches. Ultimately, both switches present unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and experiences, so think about what matters most to you before making a selection.
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