Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking an accented, bouncy, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass stands out with its pastel colors and proprietary material blend that gives it a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while maintaining smoothness. With categories like frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, the Sea Glass switches offer a weightless feel that defies expectations. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their choice of housing materials. The Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. While both switches aim to provide a unique auditory experience, the use of different materials results in distinct sound qualities.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This allows for a more muted and rounder sound when typing on these switches. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasant and bright sound profile. Despite both switches using nylon in the bottom housing, the unique blend in the Sea Glass adds an extra layer of complexity to its sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Durock Sea Glass plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Lavender Purple Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Sea Glass delivers a slightly brighter sound profile with its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both the top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the housing materials used in a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, making each switch distinct in its sound qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that they both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Glass's heavier 62 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Glass provides a medium typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is clear that both switches provide a similar tactile and linear feel with the same amount of keypress distance. This means that users can expect consistent typing experiences with both switches, as the distance traveled from top to bottom is identical for each. Whether choosing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the Durock Sea Glass, users can rely on a familiar keypress feel and response due to their matching travel distances.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct auditory experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are known for their higher-pitched sound profile, which adds a unique aspect to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches produce a hollow sound signature, giving off a sense of airiness and lightness while typing. Both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, although the choice of keyboard and keycaps may influence the overall sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are often described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These descriptors point to a tactile switch that strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches are known for their frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press qualities. These attributes suggest a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, making it comfortable for extended use. Both switches offer unique tactile and smooth sensations, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Durock Sea Glass switches bring their own distinct qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile and a balanced tactile experience, the Sea Glass switches provide a hollow sound signature and a smooth, frictionless typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer an excellent typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment and efficiency while using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a smooth, frictionless feel and a unique hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
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