Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Master mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer their own unique benefits. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch is known for its medium weight, classic clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness, appealing to users who prefer a slightly muted but polished typing experience. 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Master both offer unique housing materials for their keyboards, providing different sound profiles and aesthetics. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Master's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer transparency in their top housings, allowing for RGB lighting effects to shine through. In terms of sound, users can expect a more resonant and clear sound from the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing, while the Master's POM top housing provides a more subtle and deep sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon material that creates a deep and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Master also incorporates POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a more rounded and dull sound experience due to the properties of their respective bottom housing materials. Users can expect a consistent sound profile across both switches, with slight variations in tone and resonance based on the specific housing materials used.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Dareu Master will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Dareu Master provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top and bottom housings. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with unique sound profiles, allowing users to customize their setup based on their preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with a clear aesthetic or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches offer quality housing materials to suit your needs.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is clear that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Master's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is also heavier at 60 grams, while the Dareu Master's bottom out force is unknown.
Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Dareu Master more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, given its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a more robust feeling when typing, the Dareu Master's slightly longer travel distance may be preferred. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar experience, with the Dareu Master being just slightly longer than the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master 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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound that enhances the typing experience with a vibrant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch provides a classic clacky sound signature that is sharp and snappy when pressed. Both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles, with the Akko switch leaning towards a more lively and poppy sound, while the Dareu switch offers a traditional clacky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and low-impact typing experience with gentle resistance and light actuation force. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Akko switch focusing on a lighter and bouncier response, while the Dareu switch offers a more approachable and polished typing experience.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Dareu Master linear switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Akko switch leans towards a more vibrant and lively sound with light actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a poppy tactile feel, while the Dareu switch offers a classic clacky sound and a gentle typing experience for a wider range of users. Whether you choose the Akko or Dareu switch, you can expect a smooth operation and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a great choice. It offers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium weight and a classic clacky sound signature, the Dareu Master linear switch is a solid option. It provides exceptional smoothness in operation and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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