Durock Lupine vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we see distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement upon rebound, resulting in a classic clacky sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Lupine offers a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are recognized for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Piano Pro switches ensure a pleasing tactile experience. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Lupine stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the bottom housing.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, their top housings differ significantly in material and resulting sound profile. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing brings a unique sharpness and clarity to the sound, making it stand out for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded and duller typing experience compared to the Lupine. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top housing material, showcasing the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel and sound impact during typing, the bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This dynamic demonstrates how the qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the typing experience, influencing both the feel and sound produced by the switch. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Durock Lupine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro creates a balanced and unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a gentle touch. However, its bottom out force of 62 grams provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a slightly heavier touch than the Lupine. Its bottom out force of 55 grams falls into the medium-light category, providing a balance between comfort and feedback. Overall, the Lupine is the heavier option in terms of bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro is the lighter option for actuation force. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Lupine providing a more solid feel and the V3 Piano Pro offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Lupine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the V3 Piano Pro might be the better choice. However, some users may find a shorter travel distance too abrupt, in which case they may prefer the Lupine with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the desired depth and feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is versatile and suitable for various typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound that adds liveliness and crispness to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Lupine providing a classic clacky sound and the V3 Piano Pro offering a sharp and snappy sound. Depending on personal preference for sound, users can choose between the neutral profile of the Lupine or the snappy and resonant profile of the V3 Piano Pro.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle feel and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a more elastic feedback sensation, smooth and buttery typing experience, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth typing feel. Both switches provide a unique tactile experience, with the Lupine offering a middle-ground typing experience and the V3 Piano Pro providing a more lively and smooth sensation with rebound when pressed. Users can select between the gentle and polished feel of the Lupine or the bouncy and creamy feel of the V3 Piano Pro based on their personal preferences for typing.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch choice. The Lupine provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve similar results in terms of typing enjoyment and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Lupine linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it's important to take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and a neutral sound profile with a more mild and polished typing feel, the Lupine may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, a clacky and resonant sound profile, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, then the V3 Piano Pro could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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