Durock Koala vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, offers a perfect balance for those who enjoy a keystroke with a noticeable bump but not overpowering. With its stepped tactility and pronounced bump that doesn't cover the entire keystroke, the Koala also provides a bit of resonance without excessive noise. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff', the Koala is a great choice for those seeking a tactile experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, also a tactile switch, boasts a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a unique set of features for keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that make them appealing choices for different preferences; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The similarities in the polycarbonate top housing of both switches mean that users can expect a similar sound and feel when typing on them.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The Koala features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also has a nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
When the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the nylon bottom housing of both the Koala and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing for a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the V3 Lavender's 55 grams. However, the V3 Lavender has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Koala's actuation force is unspecified. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Lavender due to its lower actuation force and bottom out force, while the Koala may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing intensity.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Koala being slightly on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Durock Koala with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Durock Koala switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches do not have a specific sound description provided. Both switches will offer a different auditory experience depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switches are polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate tactile bump. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile bump with a spring-like rebound and super responsiveness. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala switches are known for their balanced tactile bump and low-pitched sound, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a lively and bouncy tactile feel with no specific sound description provided. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Both switches showcase different qualities that cater to various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, ultimately leading to a unique typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel, with a pronounced but not overwhelming tactile bump, the Koala may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be the switch for you. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and polished feel, the Koala may suit your typing style, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a combination of features like being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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