Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Firefly offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering not only a satisfying tactile feedback but also a loud, bassy sound signature that can invigorate your typing sessions—ideal for those who appreciate an audible cue with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Firefly switch provides a fresh take on tactile switches with its quiet operation and subtle clickiness, making it easy to press and perfect for users seeking a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. While each switch has its merits, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to users who enjoy a more assertive tactile feel and sound, while the Firefly is suited for those who prefer a lighter touch combined with a chirpy feedback. 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
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 Firefly utilize similar housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The choice of polycarbonate in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiff plastic not only contributes to clarity and resonance but also enhances the visual aspect with its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a bright and defined auditory feedback, especially when elevated by the glow of integrated lighting. Despite the individual branding of each switch, the use of polycarbonate in both models ensures that auditory performance remains consistent.
On the contrary, the bottom housing differs significantly in terms of sound characteristics due to the use of nylon in both models. Unlike the stiffer polycarbonate, nylon is known for its softer properties, which dampen sound and provide a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a rounder and less pronounced sound profile when typing. The sound made when bottoming out the key will be less harsh and more rounded in both switches, creating a smooth typing experience. Thus, the nylon bottom housing effectively complements the higher frequencies produced by the polycarbonate top, providing a balanced acoustic landscape in both designs.
In terms of overall sound experience, while both models employ the same materials, their distinct configurations will yield unique auditory outcomes. The combined effect of polycarbonate for sharper highs and nylon for full, deeper tones means that users can enjoy a well-rounded sound profile across both switches. In practice, the typing experience inherits the strengths of both materials, resulting in clarity when keys are released and a softer landing sound on bottoming out. Ultimately, both switches promise a fulfilling typing experience grounded in the same foundational materials, leading to harmonious auditory results whether one prefers the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the Dareu Firefly.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, we can observe distinct differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Firefly has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches' bottom out forces contrast as well; the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's bottom out force is 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly is unavailable. This suggests that while the Akko switch offers a consistent resistance throughout, the lack of information on the Firefly's bottom-out force makes it challenging to fully evaluate its performance. Thus, for a lighter and smoother experience, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the preferable choice, while the Dareu Firefly caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Firefly tactile switches, there is a clear distinction between the two. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor quicker response times and more immediate feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a deeper experience that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. This traditional 4 mm distance caters to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, offering a sense of heft that can enhance typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the switch for you, while the Dareu Firefly is better suited for those who appreciate a more traditional, deeper feel.
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 Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly 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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches provide a loud auditory experience that leans towards a bass-heavy pitch, delivering a robust acoustic presence. The signature sound profile is invigorating, likely appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switches are designed to be notably quieter, with an intriguing "chirpy" quality that lacks the traditional resonant click typically associated with clicky switches. This unique characteristic allows for a more subdued typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise might be an issue.
Regarding feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its substantial tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback that reinforces each keypress. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy, allowing typists to feel precisely when the key has been actuated. On the other hand, the Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press experience, requiring very little force to activate, which minimizes the resistance felt during each keypress. This gentle touch ultimately promotes a more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged usage without leading to finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Dareu Firefly tactile switches serve distinct preferences within the tactile switch category. If you're leaning towards a loud switch with a pronounced tactile bump, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is your go-to. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter experience with a light actuation that enhances comfort, the Firefly is an excellent choice. Both switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing styles, ensuring that whether you choose one or the other, you will have a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a loud, bassy sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely your best option. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it accessible for long typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a more engaged and responsive experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience that still retains some tactile feedback without the traditional clickiness, the Dareu Firefly may be ideal for you. Its easy-to-press design, characterized by a light actuation force, makes it perfect for those extended writing tasks or gaming marathons, as it minimizes finger fatigue while providing a unique chirpy sound profile. Ultimately, it’s about aligning the switch characteristics with your typing style and environment—whether you crave tactile reassurance and sound or favor a gentle, quieter operation.
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