Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves caught between the tactile feedback of switches like the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the smooth, linear experience offered by the Durock Sea Glass. The Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its prominent tactile bump and bassy sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches boast a captivating aesthetic with their pastel colors and promote a unique typing experience that feels both airy and weightless, despite a modest bottom-out force of 62g. While the tactile nature of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro can offer satisfaction for typists and gamers alike who prefer audible and tactile cues, the frictionless and smooth action of the Sea Glass makes it a fantastic option for those seeking a quieter and effortlessly responsive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 Durock Sea Glass utilize distinct materials in their top housings, leading to different auditory characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is sharper and crisper. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows it to resonate with clarity, making it particularly effective for users who appreciate a pronounced keystroke sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While this blend is not as stiff as polycarbonate, it provides a brighter, though less sharp, sound profile. Thus, although both housings can produce notable auditory results, the nature of their materials gives the V3 a more piercing sound compared to the smoother tonal quality of the Sea Glass.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches share a common ground as they both utilize nylon in their construction. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile due to the vibration-absorbing qualities of the material. This results in a more rounded acoustics experience as the nylon material dampens any sharper tones. Similarly, the Durock Sea Glass combines polymer nylon with UHMWPE in its bottom housing, aiming to achieve a pleasant sound profile that remains on the brighter side. This similarity in utilizing nylon for the bottom housing suggests that both switches can produce deep, well-rounded sounds, making them appealing for users who value sound dampening.
Comparing the overall auditory experiences of both switches highlights the interplay between the top and bottom housings. The differences in top housing materials will dictate how the audible characteristics manifest; while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's polycarbonate will lead to a crisper note when releasing a key, the Sea Glass’s blend offers a more harmonious exit. Yet, because both share nylon in the bottom housing, they will provide a similar foundation of warmth and fullness to the bottom-out sound. Thus, regardless of the distinct top materials, users can expect a comparably pleasant typing experience due to the shared qualities of nylon, which balances out the acoustic variations introduced by their respective top housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of weight and typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch presents a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that may appeal to users who enjoy responsive, tactile feedback. This difference in force means that the Akko switch is better suited for long-term use, while the Durock switch offers a firmer experience. Consequently, while both switches perform well in their respective realms, they cater to different user preferences based on the desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel and depth when pressing down on a key. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Akko switch is the better choice; however, if you prefer a more traditional and hearty typing experience, 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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 distinctly features a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, contributing to an invigorating auditory experience that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustics profile while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature. While both switches provide contrasting auditory experiences, the overall sound output will also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used in conjunction, which can further tailor your typing feedback and noise level.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a sizable tactile bump that provides clear feedback during key presses, catering to typists who enjoy a more pronounced mechanical feel. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches excel with their frictionless operation, creating an incredibly smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. Their mild characteristics ensure a gentler typing sensation, appealing to users seeking a more approachable and versatile tactile experience. The Sea Glass also boasts a feathery touch, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it a comfortable choice for various uses.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer distinctly different sound and feel qualities. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a rich auditory experience with a tactile punch, while the Sea Glass switches prioritize smoothness and low resistance with a more subtle acoustic feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can cater to different needs, but be aware that your final experience will also depend on the combination of your mechanical keyboard components, including the keys and the board itself.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation with a satisfying, bassy sound, and you prefer a switch that provides a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely your best choice. Its loud sound signature and invigorating tactile bump make it ideal for typists who delight in auditory feedback and a more engaging typing experience. However, if you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience with a touch of lightness and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass will suit you well. With a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a frictionless feel that minimizes resistance, making them comfortable for long typing sessions while providing a unique hollow sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance of tactile feedback and smoothness that best complements your typing style, whether it's the engaging experience of the Creamy Purple Pro or the serene fluidity of the Sea Glass.
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