Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, and the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, both offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, delivering a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced typing experience. While the Cream Black Pro V3 is creamy, high-pitched, and bouncy, the Holly is chirpy, clacky, and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you choose the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Holly, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share this feature, the V3 Cream Black Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the more resonant polycarbonate top housing.
Despite the similarities in utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in the bottom housing between the two keyboards contribute to distinct auditory experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a unique typing sensation, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Holly's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, but with a slightly different resonance due to the keyboard's unique design. Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each keyboard influences the overall sound and feel of typing on these mechanical keyboards.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Holly employ polycarbonate for their top housings, their use of different bottom housing materials results in nuanced differences in sound and typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper, fuller sound, while the Holly's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a unique auditory experience. Whether typing on the V3 Cream Black Pro with its dual housing materials or the Holly with its specialized design, users can expect a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Cream Black Pro requires a 55-gram actuation force and a 65-gram bottom out force, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Holly tactile switch has a lighter 50-gram actuation force, but the bottom out force is not known. Weight plays a significant role in keyboard preferences, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches offer a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in force requirements, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation can opt for the lighter Holly switch, while those desiring a heavier typing feel may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly quicker press due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Holly switch provides a deeper press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences for keyboard usage. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.
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 Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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 is characterized by its high-pitched and poppy sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky elements, creating a distinctive typing sound that stands out among other switches in its category. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, catering to users with varied preferences in terms of the sound produced.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and smooth typing experience, offering a buttery sensation with each keystroke. The switch is also described as bouncy and snappy, providing a responsive and lively feedback when typing. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
With the information available, it is evident that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer contrasting sound profiles, with the Cream Black Pro providing a high-pitched and poppy sound, while the Holly offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements. In terms of feel, the Cream Black Pro is known for its creamy and smooth typing experience, while information on the feel of the Holly switch is unavailable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a higher bottom out force and enjoys a smooth and poppy typing experience, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature with a medium actuation force and are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing feel, then the Dareu Holly tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and what attributes you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
