Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Tactile is lauded for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience that blends the best of both worlds with finesse. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, adding a lively and crisp quality to keystrokes. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished', the V3 Piano Pro is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different users depending on their 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
3.50 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
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This characteristic makes both switches appealing for users who appreciate a more muted typing experience. In terms of sound, the nylon top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall sound profile, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
While both the Ice King Tactile and the V3 Piano Pro feature nylon housing materials, they may have subtle differences in their sound profiles due to variations in the manufacturing process or design. However, the overall typing experience between the two switches is likely to be quite similar, given that they share the same nylon material for their housing components. Users can expect a consistent depth and fullness in sound when typing on either switch, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Whether pressing down on a key or letting go, the nylon housing of both switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a specific typing experience. The use of nylon in both switches highlights a preference for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as well as a softer typing feel. The similarities in material choice between the two switches suggest that users can expect comparable sound characteristics when using either switch. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute to a typing experience that is both tactile and acoustically satisfying for users seeking a more muted and rounded sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches, it is clear that the Ice King Tactile is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The Ice King Tactile requires a higher actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience. Both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable for users who prefer a more tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches is the same, providing a familiar and consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by a clacky and sharp sound, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Additionally, the V3 Piano Pro switch also offers a resonant sound profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the subdued sound of the Ice King Tactile or the lively sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is known for its silky and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch also features a stepped design, providing a mild tactile response with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy and creamy, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether one prefers the silky smoothness of the Ice King Tactile or the bouncy creaminess of the V3 Piano Pro will depend on individual typing preferences.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a more subdued sound and a silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a snappy sound signature and a lively, crisp quality with its switches, along with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Both switches offer a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between the Ice King Tactile and the V3 Piano Pro will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump and a smooth, frictionless feel, the Ice King Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch could be more to your liking. Consider your desired typing sound and feel, as well as the amount of force you prefer in a switch, to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that suits your typing style and brings you the most satisfaction.
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