Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Snow represent two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro, known for its invigorating tactile bump, offers an engaging typing experience perfect for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke, accompanied by a loud, bass-heavy sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch is celebrated for its innovative POK material, creating a smooth linear feel that appeals to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. With its deeper sound signature, the Snow provides a neutral and bouncy feel that many find comfortable for long typing sessions. Each switch has its unique charm; the choice depends on whether you prefer tactile feedback or a seamless linear experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Snow, a distinct difference is found in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting visibility because of its translucence, allowing light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Dareu Snow features a POK (polyketone) top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability. While POK does have a higher coefficient of friction compared to other materials, its characteristics lean towards producing a smooth and clacky sound, yet it does not possess the same resonance level as polycarbonate. Thus, while the two switches may achieve similar levels of performance, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is inclined to produce a more pronounced sound profile, especially under RGB lighting conditions.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides a consistent auditory experience across both models. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housings, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This property allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience when keying in. Regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, the effect of the nylon bottom housing on the overall sound and tactile feedback for both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Snow will be strikingly similar. In essence, both switches will produce a deep, cushioned sound when bottomed out, delivering an enjoyable typing experience that is consistent with the classic qualities of nylon.
Considering the influence of housing materials on sound and feel, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in these switches becomes essential. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing will contribute more to the acoustic profile when the key is released, enhancing its crispness and resonance. Meanwhile, the Dareu Snow's POK top housing will offer a smoother release but might lack that sharpness provided by polycarbonate. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing present in both switches ensures that the greeting and ending notes of keystrokes retain a microcosm of sound diversity. As a result, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may lead with a sharper auditory tail, the Dareu Snow maintains a smoother output, leading to a nuanced yet familiar typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, notable differences in weight and feel emerge. The Akko V3 switch is lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer keystroke, allowing for comfortable typing over extended periods, beneficial for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch presents a heavier feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger push feel in their keyboard. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch would gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those desiring a bit more resistance would likely prefer the Dareu Snow.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more shallow movement. In contrast, the Dareu Snow, with its longer travel distance, could be more suitable for users who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing down on keys, providing a more substantial tactile feedback. If you prefer a more responsive action, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Dareu Snow might be preferable for those who appreciate a less abrupt key press. Overall, these differences in travel distance can significantly influence the typing experience based on personal preferences.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a loud sound signature with a deep, bass-heavy pitch, which makes it stand out in any typing environment. This switch creates an overall invigorating auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a thocky sound that resonates with a rich, deep tone, often described as producing a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when engaged. Its neutral sound allows it to fit seamlessly into various settings—be it at home or in an office—making it suitable for a wide range of users. The low-pitched quality of the Snow switch lends itself to a mellow ambiance, especially when used with specific boards and keycaps.
In terms of tactile feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a notable experience through its invigorating tactile bump, giving users a distinct sensation that is satisfying as they engage each key. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a clear distinction at the actuation point. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch features a bouncy feel, providing an elastic and spring-like feedback. This lively sensation may appeal to users looking for a switch that delivers a continuous and responsive rebound with each keystroke, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dareu Snow linear switch deliver unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Creamy Purple Pro offers a more pronounced and loud sound with distinct tactile feedback, the Snow presents a deep and satisfying thocky sound coupled with a lively, bouncy feel. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize an invigorating tactile sensation and sound contrast or a smooth, responsive experience characterized by a rich acoustic profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying, loud sound signature and prefer a lighter actuation force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better option for you. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a sensory experience that enhances their typing rhythm, making it a solid choice for gaming and fast-paced typing where tactile feedback can be quite rewarding. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth typing experience with a deeper, thocky sound and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Dareu Snow switch may be more to your liking. Its bouncy feel and innovative POK material contribute to a pleasant and consistent typing experience that suits both gaming and professional settings. Essentially, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound dynamics or a smooth, linear response with a richer audio experience.
Mentioned in this article
