Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Firefly stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's linear switch offers a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth feel, making it a popular choice for budget-minded individuals seeking high-quality performance. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly's tactile switch provides a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, offering a different typing experience compared to traditional clicky switches. Both switches have their strengths and characteristics that cater 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Firefly feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboards. Therefore, both keyboards offer a similar sound profile and visual effect with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro and Firefly differ in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Firefly also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent typing experience across both keyboards.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Firefly play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their use of nylon bottom housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro and Firefly each provide a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials, showcasing the importance of material choice in keyboard design. Despite these differences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience from both keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is clear that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in that aspect. In terms of weight preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Firefly for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, making it slightly shorter than the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Firefly switch may provide a more robust and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a high-pitched and satisfyingly crisp sound when pressed, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound with a subtle squeak, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and buttery feel combined with a lively spring-like feedback. This switch also offers a snappy and polished typing sensation, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing feel that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback and typing experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Black Pro delivers a high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy feel, while the Firefly provides a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound complemented by smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is the way to go. The 65 gram bottom out force provides a medium-heavy typing experience that some may prefer. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch might be more suitable for you. While the bottom out force of the Firefly is unspecified, its easy-to-press nature ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
