Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer two compelling yet distinct options tailored to different preferences and usages. The Ice King Tactile switch excels in providing an enchanting tactile typing experience, seamlessly blending a pronounced bump with a smooth travel that elevates the act of typing into a refined art form. Users seeking a tactile feedback that is both satisfying and subtle will find its silky feel and polished finish captivating. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is designed with gamers in mind, offering an easy-to-press, feathery actuation that ensures swift keystrokes essential in high-stakes gaming environments. Its light actuation force and shorter travel distance make it an ideal choice for users who demand speed and responsiveness, complemented by a unique high-pitched sound that adds to its appeal. While the Ice King Tactile is perfect for those who relish a tactile connection with each keystroke, the V3 Silver Pro caters to competitive gamers seeking an edge in performance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a clear distinction exists in the top housing materials used, which produces different auditory experiences. The Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer properties that yield a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic quality that appeals to users seeking a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials contributes to unique auditory feedback, making the typing experience on each switch distinctively different.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a more consistent sound quality regardless of the differing top materials. This shared choice in bottom housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that those familiar with nylon can expect, as the softer properties of the material effectively absorb sound and enhance the overall dampening effect. As both switches share this nylon bottom housing, users can anticipate similar bottom-out sounds, providing a level of familiarity in tactile feedback across these switches. Consequently, even with divergent top housings, the shared bottom housing helps bridge the gap in overall acoustic experience between the two switches.
The difference in top housing materials ultimately impacts the overall sound dynamics when typing. While the Ice King Tactile's nylon top contributes to a more muted, bass-heavy sound when keys are released, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top enhances the sharper, more resonant qualities as you type or release keys. The interplay of each switch's material composition emphasizes the unique qualities of both designs, as the bottom housing rounds out the sound experience while the top housing defines it. For users, this means that while both switches can provide a satisfying tactile experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile — a fuller, warmer sound in the case of Ice King Tactile versus a bright, resonant sound with the V3 Silver Pro.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, characterizing it as medium-heavy, which appeals to users who prefer a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who favor easier and quicker keystrokes, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. As a result, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier switch, while the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a deeper, more pronounced feel when typing or gaming, the Ice King Tactile would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation. Ultimately, those who prefer a heavier depth would likely favor the Durock Ice King Tactile, whereas those favoring a speedy, responsive experience might opt for the Akko V3 Silver Pro.
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 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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This makes it a great choice for environments where you want to keep noise levels manageable while still enjoying the tactile feedback it provides. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound that can be quite satisfying, particularly for gamers who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. The contrasting sound profiles reflect the distinct purposes of each switch, with one prioritizing a quieter experience while the other caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with its silky, frictionless, and polished characteristics that deliver a smooth typing experience. The pronounced tactile bump, stacked with its stepped design, allows for a distinct sensory experience without overwhelming resistance, making it particularly enjoyable for typing. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features an easy-to-press, creamy, and feathery feel that caters to comfort during prolonged use. Its light actuation force gives a responsive and low-impact typing experience, ideal for fast-paced gaming or quick writing tasks. Both switches utilize polished qualities to enhance smooth travel, but they offer different tactile sensations and feedback.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches present unique qualities suited for different user preferences. The Ice King Tactile shines with its subdued sound and smooth yet tactile feel, perfect for those who appreciate a refined typing experience. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro is ideal for gamers seeking quick actuation and a pronounced high sound. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean toward sound profile or tactile feedback—you'll find satisfactory performance from either switch, as each brings a distinct flavor to your mechanical keyboard experience. The choice between them will largely depend on whether you value muted elegance or a brighter, sharper typing atmosphere.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience that offers both pronounced feedback and a smooth feel, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent fit. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 68 grams provides a satisfying resistance during keystrokes, and the creamy smoothness coupled with a pronounced bump enhances your typing engagement. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy typing or coding for extended periods and want to experience a refined tactile sensation without intrusive sound distractions, thanks to its subdued acoustics. Conversely, if you’re more focused on gaming or prefer a lighter touch during your keystrokes, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for you. With a notably light bottom out force of just 45 grams and an effortless actuation, this switch allows you to react quickly in high-stakes gaming scenarios. Its feathery and creamy typing experience minimizes fatigue and boosts your efficiency, while the high-pitched sound offers a sharper auditory feedback that some gamers find appealing. Ultimately, consider how you primarily use your keyboard—whether for typing or gaming—and choose the switch that aligns with your comfort and performance needs.
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