Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch, are two popular choices to consider. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend that provides a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature when typing. While the Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Piano is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing needs; 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Piano differ in their housing materials, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. In comparison, the POM blend top housing of the Piano is known for offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, though the exact details of the blend remain undisclosed.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. Conversely, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing also offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, reflecting the overall attention to sound quality in the design of this switch. While each switch utilizes different materials for their top and bottom housings, both aim to provide a premium typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Piano, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer a satisfying typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall sound profile of each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate or the deep sound profile of POM blend, both switches showcase the innovation and design expertise behind premium mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro for extended typing sessions, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Piano being slightly longer than the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its quicker response time, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Durock Piano for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired 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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile bump during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches offer a deep, creamy sound signature with a bassy quality, giving a pleasant auditory experience while typing. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are characterized by their accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. The keys provide a spring-like bounce and a refined, smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are described as frictionless and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer unique tactile and typing sensations, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump and a medium level of tactility, the Durock Piano offers a deep, creamy sound signature with a bassy quality and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience. Additionally, it's important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering which switch to choose, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a medium force and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, a gliding push feel, and a deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano switch would be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it is important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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