Durock Mamba vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique benefits that cater to specific needs. The Durock Mamba, recognized for its homage to Kobe Bryant, provides a smooth and gliding typing experience accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory sensation. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Mamba switch is ideal for those who appreciate a refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bass sound. Categorized as easy to press, creamy, feathery, high-pitched, polished, and silky, the V3 Silver Pro stands out with its light actuation force and shortened travel distance, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, one can see a stark difference in the materials used. The Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which provides a bright and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving it an edge in terms of aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba uses a POM housing that delivers a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. This contrast in bottom housing material highlights the different sound profiles that each switch offers, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact to create the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each housing material contributes unique qualities to the sound and feel of the switch. While the Mamba and V3 Silver Pro may have different housing materials, they both offer a combination of characteristics that influence the typing experience. Whether it be the bright and sharp sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro or the deeper and fuller sound of POM in the Mamba, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Silver Pro is lighter in both aspects. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro only requires 45 grams to bottom out. The actuation force of the Mamba is not specified, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro will likely provide a smoother and lighter typing experience compared to the Mamba. Those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may find the V3 Silver Pro to be more suitable for their needs. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro may appeal to those looking for quick and precise keystrokes, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Durock Mamba may provide a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience for users who prefer more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, perfect for a wide range of users and environments. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further personalized depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch boasts an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel that is light, smooth, and responsive. These qualities make the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch a great choice for gamers and typists looking for a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch each offer a unique set of qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound along with a mild and polished feel, the V3 Silver Pro delivers a high-pitched sound and a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, polished, and silky feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience with a tailored sound and feel profile. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can provide similar results in terms of typing efficiency and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a neutral or thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel, then the Mamba switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and an easy-to-press, creamy, or feathery typing feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch could be more suitable for you, especially if you are a gamer looking for quick and responsive keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style, preferences, and intended use.
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