Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that each offers its own unique features and advantages. The Ice King Tactile stands out for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile experience that merges the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a higher-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, snappy tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. While both switches provide a tactile typing experience, they do so in distinctive ways that cater to different 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
58g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, we can see that the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The Nylon used in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Ice King Tactile and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings work together to create a consistent deep and full sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings allows for a sharper and more resonant sound experience. Both switches show a good understanding of how different housing materials can affect the sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
The choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a keyboard. The Ice King Tactile and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro showcase this importance by utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings. Whether it be the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to various preferences. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switches, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has a higher actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Ice King Tactile requires a bit more force to register a keystroke compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, which is shorter than the 3.8mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast action. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for response time versus key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued experience with a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, information on the sound of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is currently unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile is described as silky and frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Additionally, it is noted as having a stepped feel, providing a mild tactility with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages, as well as a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized as accented and bouncy, offering a medium level of tactility without being scratchy, along with a spring-like feedback sensation and a snappy, responsive feel. It also shares the polished finish for smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Ice King Tactile switch focuses on a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying tactile experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch combines a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump to create a delightful typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking different tactile experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switches, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a smooth, stepped, and polished typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, then the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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