Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming experience, the contrasting characteristics of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches are worth exploring. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, complemented by a loud, bass-heavy sound signature that is sure to resonate with those who prefer a more dynamic auditory experience. It caters to typists and gamers who enjoy a tactile sensation during their interactions. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their lively, poppy sound profile and a smooth, effortless typing experience, characterized by their unique green and white color scheme. These linear switches provide a bouncy yet mild feel, appealing to users who prioritize fluidity and speed in their key presses. 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
45g
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
3.40 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong, there are notable differences that shape their performance and acoustic characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it enhances the resonance of the switch, resulting in a clearer audio output. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong utilizes a POK material for its top housing. POK, or polyketone, offers a balance of smoothness and durability, providing a clacky sound that is enhanced by its low friction coefficient. While both materials contribute to unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro leans more towards a high-frequency resonance, whereas the POK material in the Mahjong offers more smoothness with a softer tone.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively soft texture, thereby producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. In this regard, both the Akko and Dareu models utilize this classic housing material in the same way, meaning they will evoke similar sound characteristics when key presses are engaged. However, the individual sound profiles remain uniquely defined by their top housings, as the texture and composition of the top and bottom interactions tailor the overall auditory and tactile feedback of each switch.
Ultimately, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong employ different materials for their top housings, they both utilize nylon in the same manner for their bottom housings, resulting in comparable sound quality in terms of deeper tones. The division in material choice affects the final sound upon key release, with polycarbonate adding a crisper sound for the V3, compared to the smoother, more subdued characteristics of the Mahjong's POK. Therefore, while they may exhibit similar results in deeper sound profiles due to their shared nylon material, the overall performance and acoustic nuances when typing may vary significantly based on the top housing configurations.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience preferred by users who enjoy a firmer feel when pressing keys. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in its comparative analysis. Overall, while the Creamy Purple Pro offers a gentler interaction, the Mahjong switch caters to those seeking a more robust tactile feedback, exemplifying the variety in user preferences when selecting keyboard switches.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a shorter, snappier feedback when pressed, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, offering a sense of hearty depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go, while the distinct depth of the Mahjong switch will cater to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch stands out with a loud, bassier tonal quality, delivering a robust auditory experience that marks its presence distinctly. This distinctive sound can provide a satisfying acoustic feedback during typing, especially for those who enjoy auditory reinforcement in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch brings a more lively and poppy sound signature, which might feel more vibrant and engaging. While the Creamy Purple Pro might appeal more to those seeking a heavier soundscape, the Mahjong offers a refreshing alternative that balances sound without overwhelming the user. Both switches, however, can produce slightly different auditory experiences based on other factors, making the choice slightly dependent on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its notable tactile bump, which provides clear feedback when a key is actuated, making it a rewarding choice for typists who appreciate this tactile feedback. This pronounced bump can be excellent for both typing and gaming as it allows users to know exactly when a keystroke has registered. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches feature a bouncier feel that promotes an elastic feedback sensation. The bounce provides a lively typing experience and helps mitigate fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mahjong switches are described as mild and polished, ensuring a smooth experience that caters to a broad range of users. The emphasis on a polished finish means reduced friction and smoother key travel, which can make for an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different types of users. The Creamy Purple Pro provides a loud, bassy sound and a pronounced tactile feedback, which suits typists who love a clear indication of keystrokes. Conversely, the Mahjong switches excel with a lively, poppy sound and a bouncy, polished feel that ensures comfort during prolonged use. While they cater to different preferences, fans of either switch can expect satisfying auditory and tactile experiences, depending on their personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a strong tactile bump and a noticeable sound signature that adds an engaging character to your typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it responsive and comfortable for long typing sessions, especially if you prefer feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch could be the better choice for you. Its bouncy feel and polished finish provide a lively yet gentle feedback, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use without overwhelming noise. Moreover, the neutral sound profile of the Mahjong makes it versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in an office environment. Therefore, consider your typing preferences—opt for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for an engaging tactile experience, or choose the Mahjong for a smooth, enjoyable, and quieter typing journey.
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