Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is praised for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bouncy and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches by Durock showcase a captivating pastel color selection and a proprietary material blend that results in a dry, wispy, and airy typing sensation. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and easy to press. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Sea Glass, we see that the V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting in switches. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings, offering a sound profile that is described as pleasant and bright without being overly sharp.
The differences in sound profiles between the V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Sea Glass can be attributed to the housing materials used. While polycarbonate in the V3 Crystal Pro creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Sea Glass results in a brighter and pleasant sound profile. This contrast highlights how different materials can affect the overall typing experience and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Sea Glass comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. While the V3 Crystal Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing, the Sea Glass provides a brighter and pleasant sound profile with its unique blend of materials. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and offer a range of sound profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the category of medium actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Sea Glass slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences; the V3 Crystal Pro may be favored by those who prefer a slightly higher actuation force, while the Sea Glass may be preferred by those who prefer a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, users can expect similar typing experiences from both switches, given their comparable actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when typing on a keyboard equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent keypress feel in terms of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Akko V3 Crystal Pro or the Durock Sea Glass, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.8 mm.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch provides a unique chirpy sound that stands out from the rest, adding a distinctive flair to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a hollow sound signature that complements its airy and frictionless nature. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, with the Crystal Pro delivering a bright and lively sound, while the Sea Glass offers a more ethereal and lightweight sound profile.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro switch is noted for its bouncy and polished feel, providing a springy feedback and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch boasts a frictionless and feathery feel, offering an exceptionally light actuation force and effortless key presses. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions, gaming, school, or work. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Crystal Pro leaning towards a lively and polished feel, while the Sea Glass prioritizes a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Pro provides a chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, the Sea Glass offers a hollow sound and frictionless, feathery feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a louder and springy typing experience, the Crystal Pro may be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a quieter and smooth typing experience, the Sea Glass could be a great option. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance and typing satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique hollow sound with a frictionless and weightless typing experience, the Sea Glass could be the switch to go for. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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