Durock Ice King Linear vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a switch. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and factory lube, categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Both switches offer unique qualities that may cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on switches with nylon housing a unique and satisfying experience for users of both keyboards.
Despite the similarities in housing material, the Ice King Linear and V3 Piano Pro may still offer slightly different typing experiences. Since the top and bottom housings can impact the sound profile differently, the feel of pressing down on a key and the sound when releasing it could vary between the two keyboards. While both keyboards feature nylon housing which provides a similar sound signature, the design and construction of the housing components may lead to subtle distinctions in typing feel and sound feedback.
Ultimately, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are likely to offer a comparable typing experience due to their shared use of nylon housing materials. Typing on these keyboards is expected to elicit the desirable deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for, creating a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. Whether it is the Ice King Linear or the V3 Piano Pro, users can expect a similar level of sound absorption and round sound quality thanks to the nylon housing employed in both keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King has a slightly heavier feel compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Ice King provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance despite the slight differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of key travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results when typing or gaming with either switch. Overall, both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel, making them both reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, which adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The sharp and snappy sound of the V3 Piano Pro switch provides a more distinct auditory experience compared to the Ice King Linear switch.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer a creamy typing experience. This indicates that both switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. In addition, both switches are described as polished, indicating a refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Ice King Linear switch is also described as silky and frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer a creamy and polished typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and silky, frictionless feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a more clacky and resonant sound signature, along with a bouncy feel that provides a lively feedback sensation when typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Linear or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics that suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a clacky, resonant sound and a mix of bouncy, creamy, and polished feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be more in line with your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and preferences.
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