Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, it's important to consider the unique features of each. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a linear switch. While the Lavender Purple Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving in deeper will help you determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Mamba, one key difference is in the top housing material. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Mamba features a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is pleasant and bright, but not particularly sharp. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate may give a more defined and resonant sound compared to the blend used in the Mamba.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. This contrast highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Mamba differ in their composition, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a sharp and crisp sound, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. In comparison, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound, appealing to users looking for a unique sound profile. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of the respective switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and a relatively more muted tone in the Mamba, showcasing the range of sound profiles achievable through different housing materials. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with distinctive characteristics that cater to individual preferences in keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Mamba linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lavender Purple Pro requiring 55 grams and the Mamba needing 60 grams. The difference in actuation force means that the Lavender Purple Pro may feel easier to activate than the Mamba, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Mamba could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mamba the shorter option between the two. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more hearty depth when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a quicker response or a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched profile with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro leaning towards a higher pitch and tactile bump, while the Mamba provides a creamy and rich sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These attributes contribute to a medium-tactile switch with a prominent amount of tactility, a bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with qualities that are approachable to most, along with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro emphasizing on a more lively and tactile feedback, while the Mamba offers a gentler and more approachable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the Durock Mamba switch offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the Durock Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, along with a mild and gentle typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preference for a tactile or linear typing experience, as well as the bottom out force of each switch. If you enjoy a delightful tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth gliding sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, the Mamba linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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