Akko Botany vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and the Dareu Sky V3 both present compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, yet they cater to distinctly different preferences. The Akko Botany switches are renowned for their lively, crisp sound, producing a satisfying clack with each keystroke, making them an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches offer a more neutral sound signature with a medium-light weight, striking a balance between comfort and precision that appeals to a broad audience, from casual typists to professional gamers. While the Botany switches can add a vibrant character to your setup, the Sky V3 switches provide a subtle experience that prioritizes functionality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Akko Botany and Dareu Sky V3 switches present an interesting contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Akko Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a more muted auditory experience. In stark contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 employs a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper and more resonant sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This material choice not only enhances sound clarity but also makes the switch more visually appealing, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate is translucent and allows light to pass through beautifully.

When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, both the Akko Botany and Dareu Sky V3 utilize nylon, which bridges a commonality between the two. This shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent experience in terms of sound profile, delivering a deeper and rounder sound upon bottoming out. The softness of nylon means that it absorbs shock better, therefore minimizing noise and providing a more cushioned response when a key is pressed. This makes it evident that while the top housings differ greatly in sound output, both switches share a hybrid construction in which the qualities of nylon dominate in the bottom housing, creating a unified auditory experience when interacting with both devices.

In summary, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Akko Botany and Dareu Sky V3 switches create distinct auditory characteristics, while the uniform use of nylon in their bottom housings brings both models together in a synergistic manner. The nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a full sound when keys are pressed, despite their top housings producing divergent sound profiles. Therefore, while users may experience different auditory sensations when typing, the integration of nylon at the bottom reinforces a cohesive experience across both switches, allowing for a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience regardless of individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Botany has a light actuation force of 38 grams, making it great for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions, while the bottom out force is slightly higher at 45 grams. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down the key. However, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown, leaving a gap in its comparison. Overall, the Akko Botany is the lighter switch, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, while the Dareu Sky V3 may cater to those looking for more resistance, albeit with less clarity on its bottoming out experience.

Travel distance

The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter of the two options, which can provide a more responsive feel that many gamers prefer for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Sky V3’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke with a deeper feel, potentially avoiding the abrupt sensation that can accompany shorter distances. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Botany offering a more immediate response and the Sky V3 providing a traditional and potentially more satisfying keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp and lively clacky sound that provides an energetic auditory experience right out of the box. This sound is engaging and can enhance the overall typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more dynamic acoustic profile. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is noted for its neutral sound signature, which presents a moderate actuation force and a balanced audio output. While the Sky V3 does not offer the same lively clack as the Botany, its subdued sound makes it versatile, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting.

When considering feel, the Akko Botany switch's specific tactile qualities are not elaborated upon, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 is described as offering a mild feel, promoting a gentle typing experience that sits comfortably between more aggressive and softer switches. This mildness allows for an approachable experience for users of all skill levels, ensuring that the Sky V3 maintains a balance that is inviting regardless of typing style.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Dareu Sky V3 switches cater to different sound and feel preferences, they each have merits that could appeal to various users. The Botany's crisp and lively sound contrasts with the neutral and subdued profile of the Sky V3, while the latter’s mild typing feel provides comfort that may be appealing to many. Overall, choosing between these switches will largely depend on whether you favor an engaging acoustic profile or a more versatile and subtle audio experience along with gentle typing feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lighter bottom-out force coupled with a lively clacky sound, the Akko Botany switch could be the perfect choice for you. Its 45-gram force provides a responsive, energetic typing experience that's particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a mild feel, or if you're looking for a switch that's suitable for both work and leisure without being too disruptive, the Dareu Sky V3 is likely your best bet. Its medium-light weight and subdued sound signature make it versatile, catering to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals. Ultimately, your choice should reflect where and how you intend to use your keyboard – vibrant and expressive with the Botany, or balanced and comfortable with the Sky V3.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more