Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its budget-friendly option with a poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth tactile sensation, and a harmonious mix of feedback qualities. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is praised for its middle ground approach, providing a pronounced bump without being overly loud and offering a stepped tactility for each keystroke. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback experience, the Durock Koala may suit those looking for a punchy keystroke without being too overwhelming. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Koala, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that result in sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in these housings creates a resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, with their translucency, polycarbonate top housings are ideal for RGB lighting applications. However, while both switches share this feature, the overall typing experience may still differ based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Koala utilize nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics and creates a rounder sound. Despite the similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, variations in switch design and construction could still lead to differences in the typing feel and sound output between these two switches.
Considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even if the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Koala share similarities in their housing materials, the overall typing experience may still vary due to the distribution of these materials within the switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Durock Koala has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro would provide a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, while the Durock Koala would offer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch should opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a heavier key press should go for the Durock Koala.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala, making it a preferred choice for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Koala provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Akko switches. Both switches provide their own unique sound characteristics, catering to different preferences depending on the user's taste and typing environment.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience that is smooth, lively, and refined. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches also feature a polished and accented feel, along with a stepped and stiff sensation. The Koalas offer a medium tactile switch with a pronounced bump along with some pre-travel and post-travel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate compared to the Cream Blue Pro switches.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches provide a lively and audible feedback paired with a smooth and refined tactile sensation, appealing to users who enjoy a poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches offer a low-pitched and mellow sound profile with a pronounced bump and stiff feel, catering to those who prefer a punchy keystroke without being overly loud. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both offer quality options within the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Koala tactile switches, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a lively, creamy tactile sensation with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump with a bit of resonance but not overly loud sound profile, the Koala switches would be more suitable. Additionally, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, while the Koala provides a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound feedback.
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