Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Light Tactile are both tactile switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and tactile sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively, audible feedback at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile stands out for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, offering a more subtle typing experience compared to the sharper tactile switches in the market. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between them. 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
52g
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 Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Despite both switches employing the same material for their top housing, subtle differences in design and construction may result in varying sound characteristics when typing on each switch.
However, a notable point of divergence between the two switches lies in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The V3 Cream Blue Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, which is praised for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of this classic switch housing material in providing a distinct typing experience. With both switches incorporating nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent level of sound absorption and a duller, rounder sound when using either switch.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Durock Light Tactile, the distinct qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housing respectively contribute to unique typing experiences for each switch. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in each switch ultimately impacts the overall sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by users, highlighting the importance of material selection in the design and construction of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Light Tactile is heavier with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a more gentle typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Light Tactile offers a more substantial typing feel, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on weight preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being lighter and the Light Tactile being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. If you prefer a quicker response time and a shorter press, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress and a longer travel distance, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so it comes down to personal preference.
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 Light 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 Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is best known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering users a lively and audible feedback that is paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a gentler tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, offering a more soothing typing experience. In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro gives a distinct sound profile while the Light Tactile offers a neutral sound profile suitable for most users. When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a bouncy and accented typing experience with a polished finish, while the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished feel, perfect for those seeking a more gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches have their strengths in different aspects, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro excelling in lively feedback and smoothness, and the Light Tactile offering a gentle tactility and soothing typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility and a jelly-like sound profile that stands out from the sharper tactile switches on the market, the Durock Light Tactile would be your best bet. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel to ensure a satisfying typing experience that suits your needs and preferences.
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