Dareu Aqua vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch each offer their own unique features. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed specifically with gamers in mind, offering effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound, with light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick response times. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the Aqua and V3 Silver Pro differ in their bottom housing material, with the Aqua featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon housing.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share the quality of having a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will provide a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate for RGB lighting effects. The nylon bottom housing of the Aqua and V3 Silver Pro, on the other hand, will impact the sound and feel when typing, with its softer composition absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound profile. Overall, users can expect a mix of qualities from both housing materials when using either switch.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housing will play a significant role. The nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Silver Pro will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. Users can expect a balance of these qualities when typing on either switch, with the combination of housing materials influencing the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, whereas the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua's force is unknown, while the V3 Silver Pro has a light bottom out force of 45 grams. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke, the Dareu Aqua may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force and definite bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for extended use and heavier switches offering a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, while the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm offers a shallower and quicker response. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Silver Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Aqua. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Aqua offering a longer travel distance and the V3 Silver Pro providing a shorter and quicker 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 Silver 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 Silver 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 is characterized by its chirpy and clacky sound profile, providing a unique acoustic experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to those who prefer a brighter tone. Both switches offer distinct audio profiles, with the Aqua focusing on the chirpy and clacky sounds while the V3 Silver Pro leaning towards a high-pitched tone. However, the final sound produced will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Aqua and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches are designed to offer an easy-to-press experience with minimal resistance during key presses. The Aqua is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort. Similarly, the V3 Silver Pro is described as easy-to-press and creamy, delivering a smooth and buttery typing sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro is noted for its polished and silky feel, further enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, making them suitable choices for extended typing sessions in various settings.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a high-pitched tone. Both switches prioritize ease of pressing and comfort during typing, with the Aqua focusing on a feathery feel and the V3 Silver Pro offering a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound profile, feel, and overall typing experience. However, users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and responsiveness from both switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature with super light actuation force, the Dareu Aqua linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered for swift keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound and light actuation force, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and intended use, as both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences and requirements.
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