Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience, and two standout options in this arena are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Sky V4. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its large, invigorating tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation along with a louder, bass-heavy sound profile. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 offers a smooth, linear action that is bolstered by its innovative POK material in the top housing, delivering a rich and thocky low-pitched sound that appeals to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences and styles; while the Creamy Purple Pro excites with its tactile sensation and sociable sound, the Sky V4 offers a more subdued, but equally satisfying, 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Sky V4, a distinct variation arises in the choice of materials utilized for their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous for users who prioritize audio clarity in their keyboard experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its capacity for RGB lighting, resulting in a visually striking setup, while delivering the specific auditory qualities that users seek. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 uses POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. This material offers superior resistance to wear and shock, thus providing a clacky sound profile that is both pleasant and satisfying. As such, while both switches aim for an enjoyable acoustic experience, they utilize different materials that impart unique attributes to each model.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 opt for nylon, which stands as a classic choice in switch manufacturing. The properties of nylon allow for a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the material absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. This results in a more rounded auditory experience when bottoming out. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share this characteristic, meaning that when users engage with either switch, they will experience the same warm, tactile feedback and sound signature typical of nylon materials. The consistency in bottom housing materials ensures that both keyboards will deliver similar sonic qualities despite their differing top housing materials.
The combined impact of the varying top and consistent bottom housing materials between the two switches illustrates the importance of material choices in shaping the overall typing experience. Users of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro will enjoy the crisp, vibrant audio stemming from its polycarbonate top while simultaneously benefiting from the dampened resonance provided by the nylon bottom, creating a well-rounded combination. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 delivers a blend of smoothness and durability with its POK top while retaining the deep acoustic qualities of nylon in the bottom. Ultimately, both switches are designed to appeal to different user preferences in sound and feel, yet the similarity in bottom housing means that they both promise a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different acoustic profiles on the top.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. This means that while both switches provide a good tactile response, the V3 is better for those who favor a lighter touch, whereas the Sky V4 caters to users who appreciate a heavier push. Overall, the V3 is the lighter switch, whereas the Sky V4 is the heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer choice. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience; those who prefer faster response times may gravitate towards the V3 due to its shallower depth, while users who enjoy a more pronounced key press might favor the Sky V4 for its greater travel distance, which provides a more substantial 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 Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its loud and bassier signature, providing an engaging auditory experience that can be quite pronounced during use. The deeper sound profile of the Sky V4, on the other hand, is characterized as "thocky," producing a rich and satisfying sound that resonates with a gentle "thud" or soft "knock" upon key press and release. This linear switch also embraces a low-pitched tone, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments due to its balanced, neutral sound profile. While both switches promise pleasurable auditory feedback, the V3’s louder, bass-heavy sound contrasts with the Sky V4’s more rounded and subdued acoustics.
In terms of the tactile experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch offers a blend of polished smoothness and invigorating feedback. Users can expect a lively, bouncy sensation with pronounced tactile feedback, allowing for a snappy and immersive typing feel. The switch is designed for those who appreciate a tactile response that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. In contrast, the feel of the Sky V4 switch is not specified, leaving an unknown quality for this aspect. Therefore, while the V3 offers a defined tactile profile that contributes to its overall appeal, the Sky V4's feel remains a mystery.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Sky V4 switches present distinct auditory characters, with the former leaning towards a louder, bass-heavy sound and the latter producing a deep thocky tone that is more subdued. The V3's tactile experience is defined by a polished, bouncy, and invigorating feel, while the tactile quality of the Sky V4 switch remains undefined. Ultimately, if you're deciding between these two switches, consider that you will experience vibrant feedback with the V3, while the Sky V4 may provide a more neutral sound experience, but the tactile experience is still an unknown factor.
Conclusion
To summarize, selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and intended usage. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback along with an engaging auditory experience, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the switch for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it a fantastic choice for long typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a snappy and reactive feel to each key press. The tactile bump and bass-heavy sound signature can enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for gamers and typists who appreciate pronounced feedback. Conversely, if you lean toward a smoother, more fluid typing experience with a deeper and thocky sound, then the Dareu Sky V4 is the better option. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Sky V4 ensures a balanced feel, while the innovative POK material provides a rich auditory feedback that could be more pleasing in quieter environments. In essence, choose the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for immersive tactile and auditory engagement, and opt for the Sky V4 if you prefer a more refined, linear touch with satisfying acoustic depth.
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