Dareu Aqua vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. The Dareu Aqua is ideal for those who enjoy a super light 37g actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a great option for budget-conscious individuals looking for high-quality switches that offer a smooth typing experience with a poppy and clacky sound. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the bottom housings differ between the two keyboards, with the Aqua featuring a nylon bottom housing and the V3 Cream Black Pro also utilizing a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both keyboards have polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housings can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Dareu Aqua's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing means that the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate is complemented by the deeper and fuller sound yielded by the nylon. Similarly, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's use of polycarbonate and nylon in its housing materials results in a similar combination of sound profiles, providing a cohesive typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro will come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile you prefer while typing. Both keyboards offer a unique blend of housing materials that contribute to distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing sharpness and clarity, and nylon producing deeper tones. Whether you value a crisper sound or a fuller sound when typing, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. As for bottom out force, the Aqua does not specify, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference in force can impact the typing feel and overall user experience significantly. Ultimately, the Aqua switch would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the V3 Cream Black Pro would be better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel for more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, we can see that the Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. Both options offer a balance between depth and speed, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance, both switches will provide a smooth typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, appealing to those who prefer a brighter tone. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Aqua offering a chirpy and clacky sound while the V3 Cream Black Pro producing a high-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This switch is designed to reduce finger fatigue and provide a low-impact typing feel, ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences, with the Aqua focusing on lightness and ease of typing while the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out with its light actuation force and chirpy, clacky sound signature, while the V3 Cream Black Pro impresses with its smoothness and responsiveness. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Aqua offering a lighter touch and unique sound profile, and the V3 Cream Black Pro delivering a smooth and polished typing feel. Whether you choose the Aqua or the V3 Cream Black Pro, you can expect a quality switch that enhances your overall typing experience with its unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a super light actuation force, chirpy and clacky sound profile, and easy-to-press feel, then the Dareu Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, high-pitched sound profile, and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, or polished feel, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch could be the better fit. Consider how you use your keyboard and what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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