Durock Piano vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking into mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options to consider are the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both linear switches with their own unique qualities. The Durock Piano switches are beloved for their proprietary material blend, offering a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Durock Piano is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', the Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts categories such as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own set of features that appeal to different preferences, so ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual typing preferences. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in terms of the materials used. The Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the difference in housing materials, both the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Piano Pro aim to provide a premium typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The use of proprietary POM blend in the Durock Piano’s housing material contributes to its satisfying and deep sound profile, while the nylon housing material in the Akko V3 Piano Pro enhances the typing experience with its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller sound profile. Although the materials may be different, both keyboards are designed to offer a high-quality sound and feel for users.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of the switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the keyboard. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Despite the different housing materials used in the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both keyboards effectively utilize their respective materials to enhance the overall typing experience, creating a satisfying and deep sound profile for users.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is very light and requires minimal pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier and providing a more tactile typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Durock Piano requires 63.5 grams to fully press the switch down, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro only needs 55 grams, making it easier to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Durock Piano switch is heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Akko V3 Piano Pro is lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Both switches have their own strengths based on actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing feel and intensity.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Durock Piano switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch. In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch may provide a more traditional typing experience with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a slightly shallower feel at 3.5 mm. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the Durock Piano switch with its longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Piano linear switch offers a deep and creamy sound profile, characterized by a bassy tone that provides a rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a more clacky and resonant sound, with a sharp and snappy quality that adds a lively and crisp element to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound, you can achieve a different auditory experience with each switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. The key presses feel fluid and effortless, providing a pleasurable tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and also silky, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to the typing experience. The keys have a smooth and buttery sensation, with polished and silky finishes that result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, with slight differences in the tactile feedback they provide.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Durock Piano switch provides a deep, creamy sound signature and a frictionless, silky feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a snappy, clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile experience. Depending on whether you prefer a richer sound or a sharper sound, and a smoother feel or a bouncier feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, ensuring satisfaction for newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound, then the Durock Piano switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and appreciate a snappy, clacky sound with a bouncy and polished feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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