Durock Dolphin vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Dolphin, a linear switch, is ideal for those who prefer a silent typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or any workspace where noise levels matter. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin offers a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro, also a linear switch, is known for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. It maintains a smooth actuation, providing a pleasing tactile experience. The V3 Piano Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, silky, while the Dolphin is described as polished, muted, low-pitched. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Dolphin and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. In terms of feel, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, offering a unique typing experience for users of both switches.
On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. This contrasts with the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound similar to its bottom housing.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Dolphin and the Akko V3 Piano Pro provide unique acoustic experiences for users. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound and resonant feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches make use of nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a consistent typing experience that emphasizes the softer nature of the material for a more muted sound. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unknown, while the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. When it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams, which is medium, while the V3 Piano Pro requires 55 grams, making it slightly lighter at a medium-light level. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces means that the Dolphin switch may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the V3 Piano Pro switch may provide a lighter typing experience for those who prefer a less strenuous keystroke. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Dolphin offering a heavier touch and the V3 Piano Pro providing a lighter touch for typists and gamers.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Dolphin. A shorter travel distance can be appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin offers slightly more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel each individual is looking for in their typing experience.
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 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quieter keyboard without sacrificing the tactile feedback of a mechanical switch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, providing a more lively and sharp sound profile that adds a distinct character to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the subdued tones of the Dolphin or the vibrant sound signature of the Piano Pro.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback and a buttery smooth typing feel. Both switches provide a premium tactile experience, but the Dolphin excels in providing a sleek and polished feel, while the Piano Pro focuses on delivering a more elastic and silky typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin is more geared towards a quieter, subdued typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound and bouncy feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch, both options provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and premium typing experience with either switch, achieving similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a silent switch for an office setting or a workspace where noise levels matter, the Durock Dolphin with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation for a lively typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro with its medium-light actuation force of 55g would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific demands of your typing environment.
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