Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, there are distinct features that set them apart. The V3 Cream Black Pro is renowned for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound accompanied by exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. Each switch has its own set of characteristics – the V3 Cream Black Pro being categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', and the Snow as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Snow both showcase different housing materials in their construction. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow boasts a POK top housing, which offers a smooth and clacky typing experience along with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While both materials excel in their own ways, the polycarbonate top housing focuses more on sound profile, while the POK material prioritizes smoothness and durability.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. With both keyboards featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness. Although the housing materials differ in the top housings, the similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures consistency in sound profile between the two keyboards.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Snow contribute significantly to the typing experience and sound profile of the switches. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Dareu Snow's POK top housing focuses on smoothness and durability. Similarly, both keyboards' nylon bottom housings offer a deep and full sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound absorption and roundness. Whether it's the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the smoothness of POK, each housing material plays a key role in shaping the overall feel and sound of the keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch show some differences in weight. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams, making it a bit more resistant to accidental keystrokes. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Snow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have similar medium-heavy and medium weights, respectively, the slight variations in weight may cater to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress feel. Therefore, whether you choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro or the Dareu Snow linear switch, you can expect to receive similar results when it comes to key travel distance.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 offers a high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky sound, producing a deep and rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Snow switch with its low-pitched sound might be more appealing to you. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch boasts a creamy typing experience that is smooth and buttery, offering a silky sensation as you glide your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, it is described as bouncy and snappy, providing a spring-like feedback and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is also described as bouncy, giving a spring-like feel with lively key feedback. Both switches seem to offer a pleasing tactile experience with their respective qualities.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Snow linear switches each bring unique characteristics to the table. While the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy typing feel, the Dareu Snow switch provides a thocky sound and a bouncy typing sensation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer solid options for a satisfying typing experience. Remember to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard build when choosing the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky and bouncy typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Snow switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience. Happy typing!
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