Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Mahjong are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics for different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who seek a vibrant auditory experience alongside a creamy feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature, offering an effortless typing experience for users. While the Akko switch is described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Bouncy' with a 'Snappy' feel, the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Mild' with a more 'Neutral' characteristic. 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
45g
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
3.40 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 Yellow Pro and the Dareu Mahjong both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiff plastic that leads to clear and resonant sound qualities. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mahjong boasts a POK top housing, which offers a smooth and clacky typing experience. The POK material is incredibly durable, with wear resistance that far surpasses other materials like POM and Nylon. Overall, both switches provide a unique sound profile thanks to their different top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Mahjong feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deep and full sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience due to their nylon bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Mahjong differ, they each offer unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The split between the two housing materials allows for a blend of different sound profiles when pressing down on a key or releasing it. The top housing, whether polycarbonate or POK, will influence the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing, made of nylon in both cases, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a versatile typing experience with a combination of different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Mahjong is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Mahjong is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of overall force required. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mahjong, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Both switches offer different force profiles, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences. Ultimately, considering the actuation and bottom out forces is crucial in determining the typing experience each switch provides.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Mahjong's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel, the Dareu Mahjong would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds a satisfying auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a lively and poppy sound signature that also enhances the typing experience. Both switches are likely to deliver a pleasant sound profile, making them suitable choices for different preferences in sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The Dareu Mahjong switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches seem to offer a comfortable typing experience with different levels of tactile feedback and actuation force requirements.
Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a creamy tactile feel and a vibrant auditory experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique green and white color scheme along with a lively typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences, and whichever you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom out force and a satisfying poppy sound paired with a smooth tactile feel, the Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique color scheme, a lively poppy sound, and a typing experience that falls within the safe middle-ground zone with a bottom out force of None grams, the Dareu Mahjong switches may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choose wisely based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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