Durock Koala vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala 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 Koala and Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique experiences for users seeking different typing preferences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is favored for its perfect balance of tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility, the Koalas provide a pronounced bump during keystrokes while maintaining a level of smoothness and a bit of resonance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, stands out for its snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Despite the audibly clacky nature, the Piano Pro switches offer a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. Both switches have their own distinctive characteristics 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
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in terms of the top housing material. The Koala utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and more resonant, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Both the Durock Koala and the Akko V3 Piano Pro share the use of nylon for their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing material will be more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the qualities of the nylon material in both cases.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Durock Koala and the Akko V3 Piano Pro can significantly impact the typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent and similar typing experience that emphasizes the qualities of the softer material. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can play a key role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Durock Koala has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to determine the exact force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it has a substantial bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium to heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a more responsive keystroke. The bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro is 55 grams, offering a medium-light typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Akko V3 Piano Pro more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Koala switch is the longer of the two, with a more traditional travel distance, offering a more substantial press and a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is slightly shorter, providing a shallower and quicker response, making it preferred by gamers looking for faster reaction times. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference - opting for the Koala for a more substantial feel or the V3 Piano Pro for a quicker and more responsive typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers 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 Piano Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, with a sharp and snappy quality that adds brightness to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users can choose between the more subdued sound of the Koala or the lively sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, these switches provide a refined and tactile feel that is not too overwhelming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery touch. Users can choose between the more controlled and tactile feel of the Koala or the smooth and lively feel of the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, when comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, users can expect different sound and feel qualities. The Koala offers a more neutral and polished experience with a moderate level of tactility, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a snappy and creamy typing experience with a lively sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to suit their individual typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking for. Make sure to take into consideration the characteristics of each switch to find the one that best fits your needs.
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