Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two stand out in terms of their distinct characteristics: the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Ice King Tactile is praised for its unparalleled blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is favored for its solid and responsive keystrokes, culminating in a sharp bottom-out with clear and tactile feedback. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the V3 Matcha Green Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths 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
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the V3 Matcha Green Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer nature resulting in a more clear and resonant sound.
Although both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the Ice King Tactile and the V3 Matcha Green Pro differ in their top housing material. The Durock Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound. Interestingly, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile and feel of typing on these switches.
The split in housing materials between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro creates distinct characteristics in the sound and feel of typing on each switch. The bottom housing, being made of nylon in both switches, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when pressing and releasing keys. The softer nature of nylon in the Ice King Tactile's top housing produces a different sound experience compared to the crisper and resonant sound generated by the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience one is looking for.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is slightly heavier at 58 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch at 55 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King Tactile requiring 68 grams and the V3 Matcha Green Pro needing 63 grams. Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro, making it better suited for those who prefer a firmer key press. The V3 Matcha Green Pro, on the other hand, provides a lighter touch that may appeal to users looking for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound with sharp and snappy tones, creating a more crisp and bright sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation with smooth and buttery keystrokes. Both switches excel in their own unique ways in providing a satisfying tactile or linear typing experience, but the Ice King Tactile leans more towards a smoother and refined touch, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro focuses on a lively and creamy keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with both options offering quality performance and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches, consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a creamy smooth typing feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and clacky sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what feels best for you during typing sessions.
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