Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Dream are both popular choices for enthusiasts seeking a quality typing experience at an affordable price point. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches provide a very light linear option with a attractive price tag, making them a top choice for those looking for simplicity and affordability. While both switches are easy to press and provide a pleasant typing experience, they each offer unique characteristics that cater to 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Dream use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Since both switches use the same material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics in terms of clarity and brightness.
In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Dareu Dream also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is especially noticeable when typing on switches. Despite the differences in the top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housings of both switches means users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and resonance.
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Dream, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and feel through their choice of materials. The split between polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings allows for distinct impacts on both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. While the top housings contribute to a crisper and brighter sound profile, the bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the unique qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Dream's 40 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Akko V3 is 60 grams, while the Dareu Dream's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. In terms of weight preferences, those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Dream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Dream due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the faster actuation of the Cream Yellow Pro for gaming purposes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a longer distance may opt for the Dareu Dream switch. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel when typing, but the difference in travel distance can cater to individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for its poppy, clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a vibrant typing sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a light and gentle typing experience, presenting a more approachable sound profile that is suitable for a wider range of users. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Dream switch offers a milder and softer typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a combination of gentle resistance, light actuation force, bouncy feedback, responsiveness, and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Dareu Dream switch is also labeled as easy-to-press and mild, providing users with a low-impact typing experience that is comfortable and effortless. Both switches prioritize ease of use and typing comfort, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro showcasing a wider range of tactile feedback options compared to the more neutral feel of the Dareu Dream switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more vibrant and tactile typing experience with its distinct sound profile and versatile tactile feedback options, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switch offers a light and gentle typing feel, catering to users who prefer a more subtle and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect different but equally satisfying results depending on their preference for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a combination of poppy sound and smooth feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light linear switch at an attractive price point and value a gentle typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, the Dareu Dream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and tactile preferences.
Mentioned in this article
