Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Dream. The Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a responsive and auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Dream offers a very light linear feel, appealing to those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without the tactile feedback. Its affordability also makes it an attractive option for enthusiasts who seek a balance between quality and cost. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different user preferences—tactile feedback for the Creamy Purple Pro and ease of pressing for the Dareu Dream. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Dream feature similar design choices with regards to their housing materials, both opting for polycarbonate in the top housing. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to the clarity and resonance experienced when typing, and its translucency makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy RGB lighting. Aesthetically, both switches leverage this material to enhance their visual appeal under lighting effects, ensuring that users are not only treated to impressive sound dynamics but also to a captivating display when the lights are activated.
On the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Dream utilize nylon, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, which is softer compared to polycarbonate, result in a sound character that absorbs more noise, leading to a rounder and duller auditory experience. This resonates with users looking for a particular tactile feedback that feels richer upon bottoming out. Despite the similarities, the way each material plays off each other means that the final sound experience is a composite of both the top and bottom housings working in concert, where the nylon bottom cozying up the sound helps to offset the sharper characteristics of the polycarbonate top.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Dream offer a balanced sound experience due to their complementary materials. While the top polycarbonate housing enhances brightness and clarity, the nylon bottom housing contributes warmth and depth. This synergy creates a cohesive typing experience, allowing users to enjoy uniform sound quality whether they are bottoming out a key or releasing their fingers from a keystroke. As both switches share identical material profiles for the top and bottom, you can expect similar acoustic results and tactile satisfaction regardless of which model you choose, making either an excellent option for both gaming and typing tasks.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing and gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Dareu Dream switch requires a heavier actuation force of 40 grams, providing a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer push. Additionally, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a definitive end point when the key is fully pressed, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream switch is currently unknown. This lack of available data makes it difficult to evaluate its overall performance in that regard. Overall, those who favor lighter switches for ease of use will gravitate toward the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those who appreciate a heavier touch may prefer the unmeasured force of the Dareu Dream.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch differ significantly, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro featuring a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Dareu Dream boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a snappier, more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3 mm travel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the better choice for you, especially popular among gamers for its quick actuation. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Dream provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth, which some users may find more satisfying for general typing or gaming. Overall, if you're looking for swift responsiveness, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers that with its shorter travel, while the Dareu Dream caters to those who favor a more robust feel with its longer movement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a loud, bassier sound profile characterized by its robust auditory feedback. This switch's sound signature can be invigorating, especially for those who enjoy noticeable acoustics while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Dream linear switch produces a clacky sound that's sharp, bright, and percussive; it brings a crisp nature to each keystroke. The differences in sound can lead to varied typing atmospheres: the Creamy Purple Pro is more suited for those who prefer an impactful auditory experience, while the Dream offers a snappier, more energetic feel. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the chosen keyboard plate and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a prominent tactile bump that provides a distinct feedback sensation on each keypress. This pronounced tactile engagement can contribute to a more involved typing experience, especially for users who appreciate the tactile response and want to confirm their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switch offers an easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force to actuate, which can make for a more effortless typing experience. The mild nature of this switch caters to those who seek comfort and reduced finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions. Together, these switches represent opposing philosophies: the Creamy Purple Pro favors tactile engagement, while the Dream emphasizes a softer, more forgiving touch.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Dream switches cater to different preferences with distinct strengths. The Creamy Purple Pro shines with its loud, bassy sound and pronounced tactile feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Dream offers a clacky sound and a gentle, easy-to-press feel, perfect for users who prioritize ease and comfort. Ultimately, selecting between these switches comes down to individual preference in sound and feel, as they can create different typing experiences that resonate with various users.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump that provides clear feedback with each keystroke, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it relatively light, which can be advantageous for both typing and gaming, while the deeper bassy sound adds a satisfying auditory experience. This switch is ideal if you seek an engaging typing experience, particularly in environments where the tactile and auditory feedback can elevate your enjoyment. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that emphasizes smoothness and ease of use, the Dareu Dream switches might be more suited to your style. Their lightweight and gentle actuation make them perfect for prolonged typing sessions, as they reduce finger fatigue and provide a more effortless experience. Additionally, their clacky sound profile offers a crisp resonance that appeals to those who prefer a snappy aural response without the physical feedback of a tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile sensation and sound or a smooth, comfortable typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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