Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, some distinct differences and similarities emerge. The V3 Crystal Pro is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a unique bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, resulting in a classic clacky sound profile. These switches are more neutral and mild in feel, with a high-pitched and polished sound. Each switch has its own set of qualities that may appeal to different 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Lupine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate bottom housing while the Durock Lupine utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro's bottom housing, being polycarbonate, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, emphasizing on clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical keyboard switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Durock Lupine feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the use of nylon bottom housing in the Lupine results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to Akko's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the type of housing material used can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with different materials offering distinct sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The V3 Crystal Pro has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lupine's actuation force is not specified and has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Lupine slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Lupine with its heavier bottom out force may be preferred. Both switches offer a medium actuation force level, ensuring a balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the V3 Crystal Pro offering a lighter touch and the Lupine providing a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lupine. For those who prefer a more responsive key press, the Lupine may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the quicker response time that comes with a shorter travel distance. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial key press with greater depth, the V3 Crystal Pro could be the preferred choice. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer a similar feel when typing, and users can expect comparable results in terms of key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy and unique acoustic signature, setting it apart from other switches with a little squeak to them. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, along with a high-pitched sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the V3 Crystal Pro may be preferred for its distinctive chirpy sound, while the Lupine may suit those looking for a more versatile sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch provides a bouncy and lively typing experience, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock Lupine linear switch also features a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, along with a mild and gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience with reduced friction, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is characterized by its chirpy sound profile and bouncy feel, offering a unique and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound and a more moderate and neutral feel, suitable for a wide range of users. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether one prefers a chirpy, bouncy typing experience or a classic clacky sound with a more neutral feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider your preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clacky sound profile with a consistent weight distribution and powerful upward movement on the rebound, the Lupine would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a polished typing experience with medium bottom out force, so it comes down to personal preference in sound and feel when making your decision.
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