Durock Light Tactile vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and Akko V3 Silver Pro offer two distinct choices for users with varying preferences. The Light Tactile switch from Durock boasts a gentle tactility that sets it apart from sharper tactile switches, providing users with a smooth typing experience accompanied by a unique jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, thanks to their light actuation force and shortened travel distance. While the Light Tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a more neutral and mild typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro switch caters to gamers looking for easy-to-press and feathery switches. 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
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, making these switches visually appealing for those looking to customize their keyboards with lighting effects.
In contrast, the Light Tactile and V3 Silver Pro differ in their nylon bottom housing. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar characteristics in sound profile but with its own unique touch that may appeal to users looking for a specific typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, users can choose a switch based on their preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique qualities in their housing materials that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro's lighter 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Light Tactile is also heavier at 67 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro bottoms out at 45 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to the preferences of different users, with the Light Tactile being on the medium-heavy side and the V3 Silver Pro falling on the lighter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch, it is clear that the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.3 mm travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro. The Light Tactile offers a more traditional and deeper keypress feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro provides a shallower keypress, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Light Tactile offering a longer travel distance for a more tactile feel, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a shorter travel distance for a faster and more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver 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 Light Tactile switch provides a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience with minimal resistance and reduced finger fatigue.
Overall, while the Durock Light Tactile and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Depending on whether you appreciate a softer, neutral tactility with a gentle sound (Durock Light Tactile) or a smoother, easier-to-press keystroke with a high-pitched, crisp sound (Akko V3 Silver Pro), you can expect to achieve similar levels of satisfaction and performance based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, it boils down to individual preference when selecting between these two switches, as both offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a softer and more gentle typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Light Tactile switch excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with its mild tactility and polished feel. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and responsiveness with a light bottom out force, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be the ideal option. The V3 Silver Pro switch is tailored for gaming with its easy-to-press actuation and creamy, feathery feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
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