Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Durock Sea Glass stand out as two intriguing options to explore. The V3 Piano Pro features snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches offer a unique blend of pastel colors and a distinct dryness in typing feel, with a weightlessness that defies expectations. While the Piano Pro is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless and feathery touch. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, making it a tough decision to choose between the two. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Durock Sea Glass both feature nylon as a primary component, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. However, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE results in a slightly brighter sound compared to the V3 Piano Pro. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is distinct from the duller and rounder sound produced by the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon in their housing materials, providing a common element in their sound profiles.
In terms of the top housing, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon material absorbs sound well, creating a rounder and deeper sound when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a brighter sound profile that is still pleasant to the ear. While both switches excel in sound quality, they offer slightly different experiences due to the varying compositions of their top housing materials. The impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key may differ slightly between the V3 Piano Pro and the Sea Glass, resulting in unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
When considering the bottom housing of the switches, the V3 Piano Pro and the Sea Glass offer similar sound profiles due to their shared use of nylon in this component. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Both switches benefit from the softer plastic of the nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Despite any differences in the top housing material, the similarities in the bottom housing material ensure that users will experience comparable results in terms of sound quality.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it lighter than the Sea Glass, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. The V3 Piano Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly heavier feel. The variation in bottom out force might result in a slightly firmer typing experience with the Sea Glass compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro, while those who prefer a slightly heavier touch may opt for the Sea Glass.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times. Gamers especially tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster reactions. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. The V3 Piano Pro would provide a slightly shorter keypress experience compared to the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the specific travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch emits a uniquely hollow sound due to its material blend, providing a distinctive dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations. These switches provide a spring-like feedback, a smooth and buttery typing experience, a refined finish for reduced friction, and an exceptionally smooth typing feel. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience. These switches are extremely smooth, gentle, light to press, and require minimal force to activate, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different sound signatures and tactile experiences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the snappy and resonant sound of the Akko switch or the hollow and light feel of the Durock switch, you are likely to enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for the actuation force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice for you. The snappy sound signature and smooth actuation of the Piano Pro switches offer a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and enjoy a frictionless, weightless feel, the Sea Glass switches may be more suitable for you. Their unique pastel colors and distinct dry, wispiness provide a captivating typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force and sound and feel characteristics.
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