Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, featuring a poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth feel during typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a premium experience at an accessible price point, known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Cream Black Pro V3 is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Sky POM is described as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. These general characteristics can guide your decision-making process; 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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky POM, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for the top housing. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a crisper and more resonant sound, while the POM in the Sky POM gives a more subdued and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky POM opt for nylon as the material. Nylon is well-known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, which absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, the impact of this material will be felt differently when typing on each switch, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the bottom housing and the key release sound affected by the top housing.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Sky POM share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housings differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a sharper and more resonant sound with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sky POM provides a deeper and more muted sound experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, showcasing how the choice of housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a medium to heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is not provided, making it difficult to determine the overall feel of the switch. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro makes it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sky POM may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today, with the choice ultimately depending on personal preference for responsiveness and key 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 Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched tone with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as offering a buttery typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro having a creamy sensation that feels like gliding fingers across the keys effortlessly, and the Sky POM providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches also boast smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a polished typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Sky POM linear switches have slightly different sound profiles, they both offer a similarly smooth and buttery typing experience that is sure to please users looking for a premium feel at an affordable price point. The choice between these switches may ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and the specific typing feel desired, but either option guarantees a high-quality experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a low-pitched, clacky sound, and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing experience, the Sky POM might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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