Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features and qualities worth considering. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch that is known for its budget-friendly price point and high-quality build. With a poppy and clacky sound, along with smoothness that stands out, this switch appeals to individuals looking for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4, also a linear switch, stands out for its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, creating a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Dareu Sky V4 is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing choices for 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Sky V4, it is clear that both keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sky V4 boasts a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, resulting in clacky switches. While both materials excel in their respective areas, polycarbonate emphasizes sound quality, whereas POK prioritizes smoothness and durability.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both keyboards surprisingly share the same nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will likely yield a duller and rounder sound compared to other materials. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both keyboards highlights the importance of this classic switch housing material in contributing to the overall typing experience and sound profile.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Sky V4 differ in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The choice of housing materials in each keyboard reflects a balance between sound quality, smoothness, durability, and impact on the typing experience, ultimately catering to the preferences of different users.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Sky V4 the lighter option overall compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to avoid fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Sky V4 would be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be better for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have different forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Akko switch may offer a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, while the Dareu switch might provide a bit more depth in the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more substantial key press experience.
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 V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, offering a sharp and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound with a deeper and richer tone. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Cream Black Pro providing a more poppy and high-pitched sound, while the Sky V4 offers a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Sky V4 switches are described as bouncy. Bouncy switches provide a lively and spring-like feedback sensation, giving users a rebound effect when pressed. The Cream Black Pro is further noted for its creamy and smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The Sky V4's feel is less described, but the bouncy characteristic suggests a similar lively and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Black Pro stands out with its high-pitched sound and creamy typing experience, while the Sky V4 offers a deeper thocky sound and bouncy feedback sensation. Both switches provide a smooth linear action, making them suitable choices for those seeking a quality typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a deeper sound signature with a smooth linear action, the Dareu Sky V4 is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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