Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Dareu Holly are excellent options to compare. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option that delivers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out with its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While the Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Neutral'. 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
50g
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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Holly differ in their bottom housings. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Holly also has a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Holly share the benefits of having polycarbonate top housings. With the top housing having a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the use of polycarbonate in both switches enhances the overall sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a different typing experience compared to the Holly due to their respective nylon bottom housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro will offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the Holly will produce a duller and rounder sound due to the absorption properties of nylon.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Holly may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound, perfect for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience. However, the difference in their nylon bottom housings will result in a distinct sound profile for each switch when bottoming out keys. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or a duller and rounder sound with the Holly, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a medium actuation force, making it suitable for those who enjoy a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly's bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of typing pressure. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for long typing sessions or gaming, while others may lean towards the stronger push feel of the Holly switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Holly switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being the shorter option and the Holly switch offering a longer travel distance for a more pronounced keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
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 Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch presents a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced and distinctive typing sound. Both switches offer a distinct sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, catering to users looking for different auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is currently unknown. However, based on the characteristics of the Holly switch being medium weighted with 50g actuation force, it may provide a tactile sensation that requires a moderate amount of force to type, catering to users who prefer a responsive and slightly tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a poppy sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Holly switch offers a distinctive sound profile and a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for auditory feedback and typing feel. However, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a smoother sound and lighter actuation, and the Holly providing a balanced sound signature and potential tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a vibrant auditory experience alongside a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a unique typing experience with a balanced sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, the Dareu Holly tactile switch may be more fitting for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Consider what type of overall typing feel and sound you prefer before making your selection.
Mentioned in this article
