Durock Daybreak vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Daybreak and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, one may be faced with the decision between the Durock Daybreak, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch. The Durock Daybreak is renowned for its solid 67g actuation force, providing a weightier typing experience preferred by those who appreciate a substantial touch. In addition to its heavy actuation force, the Daybreak switches boast a quiet operation, ideal for environments where minimizing noise is paramount. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a different set of features, including a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. While the Daybreak is characterized as polished, muted, and low-pitched, the Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These distinctions highlight the unique qualities of each switch, catering to different preferences and needs. However, let's delve in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Durock Daybreak and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer plastic material. This material allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. While both keyboards share this feature, the difference in their respective bottom housings may lead to variations in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Daybreak and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic makeup absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings provides a unique typing experience that balances sharpness and depth in sound. Despite both keyboards sharing the nylon bottom housing material, slight differences in the thickness or design of the bottom housing may still impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Durock Daybreak and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share similarities in their housing materials, the subtle differences in their construction may lead to variations in sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both keyboards offer a unique combination of materials that cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch have differences in actuation and bottom out force. The Daybreak has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. The actuation force of the Daybreak is unknown, whereas the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Daybreak may require a heavier push to trigger a keystroke compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Considerations should be made based on personal preference, with lighter switches being suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you will experience a consistent travel distance when typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches offer a familiar and comfortable typing experience for users. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Daybreak linear switch and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer equivalent performance, making them equally suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
The Akko V3 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, but typically tactile switches like these can produce a more audible and satisfying sound due to the tactile bump present in the switch. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Daybreak switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy feel that is neither too subtle nor overwhelming, giving users a tactile and responsive typing sensation. Both switches seem to excel in providing a pleasant typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility and keypress feedback.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities that may appeal to different users. The Daybreak provides a heavier actuation force and quieter operation, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a tactile bump and a potentially livelier typing experience with its bouncy and snappy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If these qualities are not of utmost importance, both switches would still offer a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier touch and a quieter operation, the Daybreak may be the better choice with its 67g bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, a satisfying tactile bump, and a more lively typing feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its 55g bottom out force could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a heftier typing experience or a lighter, more tactile one.
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