Durock Dolphin vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we find two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments or settings where noise is a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, this switch offers a balanced feel that merges precision with a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a smooth and substantial keystroke experience, designed to deliver a sharp bottom-out with tactile feedback for both typists and gamers. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts qualities such as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its unique characteristics and advantages to consider based on individual 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, we can see that both keyboards use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarity in top housing material between these two keyboards suggests that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using them.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material used for each keyboard. The Dolphin utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing the same benefits in terms of sound quality. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both keyboards offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When comparing the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to consider how each material influences sound and feel. The Durock Dolphin's bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall typing feel. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer a unique and satisfying typing experience thanks to the thoughtful combination of housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch exhibit some differences. The Dolphin switch has no specified actuation force while the Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the latter slightly lighter. However, both switches share a similar bottom out force of 62 grams and 63 grams respectively, placing them in the medium weight category. The Dolphin switch offers a lighter feel due to its unknown actuation force, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its 55-gram actuation force for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback when using either of these switches. The equal travel distance of 3.8 mm for both switches highlights their focus on providing a smooth and consistent typing experience for users looking for linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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 Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched profile, making it a quiet and subtle option suitable for office settings. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, producing sharp and percussive tones that may be more audible. The choice between the two will depend on your preference for a quieter typing experience with the Dolphin or a more pronounced sound with the Matcha Green Pro.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensation, providing a lively and elastic feedback with a smooth and buttery feel. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Dolphin focusing on precision and resistance, while the Matcha Green Pro emphasizes responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Dolphin offers a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, perfect for those who appreciate a switch with more resistance. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro provides a more pronounced sound profile and a smooth, responsive keystroke that appeals to typists and gamers seeking a tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Durock Dolphin linear switch versus the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, your choice should primarily focus on your preference for sound and feel. If you value a quieter typing experience with a medium heaviness to the key press, then the Dolphin switch would be the ideal option for you, especially if you work in a noise-sensitive environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharper and more resonant sound while typing, along with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would be better suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider your priorities when making your decision.
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