Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offering a tactile typing experience, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference. The V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point without compromising on quality, providing a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile alongside smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to those in search of a balanced typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is lauded for its lively feedback and creamy tactile sensation, the Violet Gold Pro shines for its Goldilocks-like tactility. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. This means that both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Violet Gold Pro will offer a similar sound profile and aesthetics in terms of their top housing material.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro boasts a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same deep and full sound profile. This means that while both keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings may give a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom of the keyboard. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Violet Gold Pro may have similar overall sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings may result in a slightly varied typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the unknown force of the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch's 3.8 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro can provide a faster response time, making it ideal for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may offer a more substantial and satisfying feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being slightly shorter than average and the Violet Gold Pro being closer to the standard 4.0mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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 switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a more neutral sound signature. The Cream Blue Pro switches provide a livelier and more audible feedback, making them ideal for users who enjoy a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound or a more balanced and neutral sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, along with a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth key travel experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are identified as having a stepped feel, meaning they provide a more subtle and mild tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Deciding between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a gentler, two-stage tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro switches provide a livelier and more pronounced sound profile, along with a medium tactile feedback that is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a more neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel that is subtle and mild. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prioritize a more lively and audible typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced tactile option with a light touch and neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure you enhance your typing experience to your liking.
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