Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro is known for being bouncy and polished, while the Durock Medium Tactile is accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonant sound and is particularly beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Durock Medium Tactile sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
While the V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, enhancing the overall sound profile with a clear and resonant tone, the Durock Medium Tactile combines polycarbonate and nylon to create a unique auditory experience. The split between the two housing materials affects the typing experience differently for each switch - with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. This variation in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Ultimately, while both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing to achieve a sharp and clear sound, the inclusion of nylon in the Durock switch's bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The combination of different housing materials in the Medium Tactile provides a unique typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a variety of sound profiles when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro is 60 grams, while the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches provides a contrasting typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the V3 Crystal Pro being slightly shallower. Gamers may prefer the V3 Crystal Pro for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, giving it a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound, which adds to its overall tactile experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Crystal Pro having a brighter and chirpier sound while the Medium Tactile has a more pronounced and jelly-like sound.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Crystal Pro boasts a bouncy and polished typing experience, providing users with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, offering a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches ensure a pleasurable typing experience, with the V3 Crystal Pro offering a livelier feel and the Medium Tactile providing a more nuanced tactile sensation.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its bright and chirpy sound, bouncy and polished feel, and fully polycarbonate construction. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, with a jelly-like sound signature and a mix of accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. Depending on your sound and tactile preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of typing satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright, chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced yet balanced tactility, and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the unique sound and feel characteristics of the V3 Crystal Pro or the tactile feedback and sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch. Both switches offer their own distinct typing experiences, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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