Durock Mamba vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mamba switches are lauded for their gliding typing sensation and rich and creamy auditory experience, making them a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are noted for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Mamba switches offer a neutral and mild typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro switches provide a bouncy and clacky tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Mamba utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, creating a bright and pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. However, both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, albeit with differences in tone and depth.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Mamba utilizes a POM housing to create a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that are influenced by the materials used in their construction, providing users with a variety of options depending on their sound preferences.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom housings. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both switches offer quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear but potentially lighter than the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams actuation force. However, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams bottom out force. This means that while the V3 Piano Pro may require slightly less force to trigger a keystroke, the Durock Mamba offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when typing or gaming with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent tactile experience in terms of key travel distance. The similarity in travel distance indicates that the typing feel and overall performance of these switches may be comparable, providing a consistent user experience across different keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, with a deep and rich sound profile that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches provide a clacky and resonant sound signature, adding a crisp and bright quality to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, the Mamba's neutral and thocky sound may be more suitable for a variety of environments, while the V3 Piano Pro's clacky and resonant sound may appeal to those looking for a livelier and sharper auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensation when typing, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth and buttery experience. While the Mamba switches may cater to those seeking a safe and middle-ground typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro switches are geared towards individuals who enjoy a lively and luxurious typing experience with enhanced smoothness and minimal resistance.
Overall, the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer unique and distinctive qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Mamba excels in providing a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, while the V3 Piano Pro impresses with a clacky and resonant sound paired with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches can deliver satisfying results, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers seeking quality linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a gliding sensation, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Mamba switch offers a medium bottom out force and a neutral or thocky sound profile, making it suitable for various typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and lively typing experience with a crisp sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. The V3 Piano Pro switch has a lighter bottom out force and a clacky or resonant sound profile, adding an extra level of energy to your typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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