Durock Ice King Linear vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Ice King Linear is revered for its silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a frictionless and subdued feel that is described as creamy and polished. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience that is also polished and accented. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, making them both enticing choices for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 progressive long spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Ice King Linear features nylon while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses polycarbonate. This difference in top housing material leads to a noticeable contrast in sound profiles between the two switches. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a softer and more absorbent material. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing will create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, offering a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate material in the top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro makes it compatible with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share the same bottom housing material in nylon, their top housing materials differentiate them in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference in terms of typing sound and feel, as well as the desire for RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch, we can see some differences. The Ice King Linear has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 45 grams, making the Ice King Linear the heavier option for triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ice King Linear requires 62 grams of force while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro only needs 55 grams, making the V3 Lavender Purple Pro the lighter option for pressing keys all the way down. Overall, the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The difference of 0.3 mm may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Ice King Linear may be more suitable. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, giving a more subtle typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch's sound qualities are not specified. Please note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, case material, and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished attributes. These qualities provide an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This translates to a tactile switch that offers a balanced level of tactility and responsiveness, giving a lively feel with smooth key travel.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ice King Linear provides a subdued sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound and a satisfying tactile bump. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a moderate bottom out force, the Ice King Linear switch might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should be based on the design and feel that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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