Dareu Aqua vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is distinguished by its incredibly light 37g actuation force, creating a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches feature a long pole design that provides a snappy sound signature, delivering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke while maintaining a smooth actuation for a satisfying tactile experience. Each switch has its own set of characteristics, with the Aqua being described as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', and the V3 Piano Pro as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. While these general descriptions can help guide your choice, it's important to delve deeper into the specific attributes of each switch to determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both use polycarbonate for their top housings, which means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. However, despite using the same material for the top housing, the Aqua features a nylon bottom housing while the V3 Piano Pro uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that the V3 Piano Pro's sound profile may be deeper and fuller compared to the Aqua, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Aqua's use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for greater translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing may not offer the same level of translucency, but it may provide a more classic and elegant look. Functionally, both switches will offer a different typing experience due to the differences in their housing materials. The Aqua may provide a crisper and more resonant typing sound, while the V3 Piano Pro may offer a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, while the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Piano Pro share some similarities in using polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Aqua's use of nylon for the bottom housing may provide a duller and rounder sound profile, while the V3 Piano Pro's consistent use of nylon throughout may offer a more consistent and immersive typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, either switch may be a suitable option for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro is 55 grams, which is higher than the Aqua's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aqua switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with 4.0mm being more traditional and 3.0mm being the most shallow. Gamers may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dareu Aqua. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the keypress.
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 Piano 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 Piano 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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, giving it a distinctive auditory profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized by its snappy and crisp sound, providing a lively and vibrant quality to each key press. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, with the Aqua leaning towards a chirpy and clacky sound, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy and resonant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch stands out for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing feel with a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Aqua focusing on light actuation and minimal resistance, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a hint of bounce in each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua excels in providing a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, the V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in sound and tactile feedback, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound signature, and typing experience. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a snappy sound signature with a smooth tactile experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
