Durock Ice King Linear vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for providing a smooth typing experience. The Ice King Linear is praised for its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a silky and frictionless feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasing sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for quick responsiveness. While the Ice King Linear focuses on a subdued and creamy typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro boasts easy-to-press keys with a high-pitched and polished feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we see a clear difference in material choice. The Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound during typing. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Despite the differing housing materials between the Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. However, the distinct materials used for the top housing offer unique sound characteristics. The Ice King Linear's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast highlights how housing materials play a crucial role in the overall sound profile of a switch.
In considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction means that the choice of housing material can affect not only the sound profile but also the tactile feedback experienced while typing. Whether nylon or polycarbonate, the housing materials of the Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro play a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear switch is heavier while the V3 Silver Pro switch is lighter. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Ice King Linear may be more suitable due to its heavier forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy typing for longer periods or prefer a lighter touch may find the V3 Silver Pro to be a better choice. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can select the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In comparing the two, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the V3 Silver Pro switch. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them popular choices for gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses may lean towards the Durock Ice King Linear switch due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, but both offer a responsive typing experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued typing experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound with each keystroke, catering to those who prefer a brighter sound profile. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, and polished, featuring a light actuation force and smooth key travel for a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, with the Ice King Linear focusing on smoothness and resistance reduction, while the V3 Silver Pro emphasizes easy activation and reduced finger fatigue.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a quieter and more subdued sound profile and value a silky smooth typing experience with reduced resistance, the Ice King Linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a high-pitched and crisp sound and seek a switch with a light actuation force for effortless typing, the V3 Silver Pro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and value a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a keyboard switch engineered for gaming with an easy-to-press feel, and a high-pitched sound profile, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use, ensuring you find the perfect switch to enhance your overall typing experience.
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