Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique qualities worth discussing. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro is a linear switch known for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balance of comfort and precision that appeals to a wide range of users. While the Crystal Pro switch leans towards a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Sky V3 switch provides a more subdued and mild feel. 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
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Dareu Sky V3 both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, making them visually appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the use of different materials in the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This difference showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Dareu Sky V3 play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that produce a similar sharp and clear sound, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing for a more resonant bottom-out sound, while the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing provides a softer and fuller typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound profile, each switch caters to different typing preferences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch's actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V3 is unknown. This means that the Akko V3 Crystal Pro provides a more consistent and solid typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 may offer a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force. Both switches offer different advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Akko V3 Crystal Pro being the heavier option and the Dareu Sky V3 potentially providing a lighter touch for longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Crystal Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Sky V3 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 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
Overall, when comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Pro switch provides a chirpy sound signature due to its polycarbonate construction, offering a bright and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch delivers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, catering to a wider range of preferences. In terms of feel, the Crystal Pro switch is bouncy and polished, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 switch offers a mild feel, ensuring a gentle and approachable typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking for. If you prefer a livelier sound and bouncy feel, the Crystal Pro switch may be the better option, while those looking for a more neutral sound and mild feel may lean towards the Sky V3 switch. Either way, both switches offer quality performance and will provide a satisfactory typing experience for most users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral or subdued sound with a mild typing experience, the Sky V3 could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing habits to ensure the best overall experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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