Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 stand out as excellent options within their respective categories. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a smooth and tactile typing experience that's both lively and satisfying. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 is a linear switch that boasts a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is more accented and bouncy, the Dareu Sky V4 is characterized as thocky and low-pitched. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, actuation force, and typing feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 both feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky V4's POK top housing offers unparalleled smoothness and durability, with wear resistance that surpasses POM and shock resistance that exceeds Nylon and POM. Both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, albeit in slightly different ways.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sky V4 utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material may vary slightly depending on the specific design of each switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 allows for unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The qualities of each material, whether it be polycarbonate or POK for the top housing, and nylon for the bottom housing, contribute to the overall performance and feel of the switches. While both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, the specific characteristics of each material bring their own distinct advantages to the typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have identical actuation forces of 45 grams and bottom out forces of 55 grams, making them both medium-light switches. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and fully press down on the switch. When comparing weight, some may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable balance between actuation force and bottom out force, catering to a range of preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we can see that the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sky V4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cream Blue Pro may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive feel, while the Sky V4 may be favored by users who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is accompanied by a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is praised for its deep and rich thocky sound, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. The Sky V4 provides a satisfying typing experience with its low-pitched sound profile, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a more vibrant and tactile sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with a lively and responsive feel. The Dareu Sky V4 switch, on the other hand, is noted for its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizing a balanced tactile feedback and the Sky V4 focusing on a consistent linear action.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the Sky V4 stands out for its deep and rich thocky sound, paired with a smooth linear action. Both switches offer a bouncy sensation, making them suitable for users who enjoy a responsive and lively feel while typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, achieving similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lively and tactile feel with a distinct sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience with a deeper sound signature, the Sky V4 could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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