Durock Medium Tactile vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as popular choices, each offering unique benefits for different types of users. The Medium Tactile by Durock is praised for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a satisfying key feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a smooth keystroke, pleasing bassy sound, and light actuation force for quick, responsive gameplay. While the Medium Tactile excels in providing a tactile typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro offers a silky-smooth and fast-paced gaming 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro keyboards utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboards. In terms of sound and aesthetic benefits, both keyboards offer similar advantages with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Durock Medium Tactile features nylon while the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Akko V3 Silver Pro may not provide the same level of sound absorption and may result in a slightly different typing experience compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the keyboards.
Overall, while both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in the bottom housing material. The Durock Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing may not provide the same level of sound absorption. Ultimately, the choice between the two keyboards will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in the overall performance of the keyboards.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Medium Tactile has a high bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a much lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. While the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is unknown, the V3 Silver Pro requires 40 grams for actuation, which is lighter than many switches on the market. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Medium Tactile offers a more traditional travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers often lean towards shorter travel distances for quick response times, which may make the Akko V3 Silver Pro a popular choice for gamers. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may favor the Durock Medium Tactile switch for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, creating a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to a different preference in sound profile. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the deeper bassy sound of the Medium Tactile or the sharper tone of the V3 Silver Pro.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized by its accented tactility, providing a balanced level of feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it has a stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile sensation that enhances typing experience. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is noted for being easy-to-press with a creamy and feathery sensation, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches feature a polished finish that contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences and typing styles. While the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound and balanced tactility, the V3 Silver Pro offers a high-pitched sound and easy-to-press experience favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, tactility, and typing comfort. It is important to consider factors such as personal typing style, keycap choice, and overall typing experience when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound for gaming or fast-paced scenarios, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and the type of activities you'll be using the keyboard for. Make sure to test out both switches to see which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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