Durock Piano vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique characteristics that appeal to different users. The Durock Piano is praised for its proprietary material blend, providing a smooth typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, offering a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound with each keystroke. While the Durock Piano excels in providing a frictionless and silky typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out for its easy-to-press keys and feathery feel. 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
63.5g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience for users. The POM blend top housing of the Piano provides a satisfying and deep sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. Despite their differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall sound quality of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the proprietary POM blend of the Piano and the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro also contribute to the sound profile of each switch. The POM blend of the Piano offers a deep sound profile, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro creates a fuller and rounder sound. The difference in the stiffness of the materials leads to distinct sound characteristics, with the bottom housing having a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch greatly influences the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Silver Pro use different housing materials, they both aim to enhance sound quality and offer a unique typing experience. Whether it's the deep and satisfying sound profile of the POM blend in the Piano or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Piano is not specified, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Silver Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Piano may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Piano offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Silver Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shallower travel distance of the Silver Pro, while those seeking a more substantial keypress may favor the Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of feel each individual user is looking for in their typing experience.
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 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 Piano linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound that may suit those looking for a sharper tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more bassy sound of the Piano or the higher-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro to enhance their typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a smooth key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as creamy, feathery, and polished, offering a comfortable and refined typing experience. Users can decide between the silky feel of the Piano or the effortless typing experience of the V3 Silver Pro based on their personal preferences.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Piano provides a deep, bassy sound and a frictionless, silky typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro delivers a high-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, creamy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can select either switch for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and performance from both switches, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Piano linear switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, creamy sound profile for typing, the Durock Piano may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, easy-to-press keys, and a more high-pitched sound profile optimized for gaming, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Piano and the Akko V3 Silver Pro will depend on whether you prioritize typing comfort or gaming performance in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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