Dareu Dream vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its lightness and affordability, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a quality switch at a budget-friendly price. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying typing experience with its higher-pitched sound profile and noticeable tactile bump. While the Dream is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', and 'Mild', the Lavender Purple Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different needs, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with clear housings, as it allows for better RGB lighting effects. However, despite having the same top housing material, the Dream and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in their bottom housing materials. The Dream utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics.
While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro showcase differences in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Dream creates a duller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. Despite these differences, both switches highlight the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound profile and typing experience.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro allows for a unique typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the sharp and crisp characteristics of polycarbonate. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in these switches results in a dynamic sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in both aspects. The Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream's force is unknown, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a lighter typing experience for the Dream and a slightly heavier feel for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Depending on individual preferences, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dream for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Dream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. A 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers might prefer the Dream for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to their keystrokes. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
The Akko V3 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile can be crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a lively element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience, with gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force contributes to effortless typing and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by its accented feel, offering a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the switch is bouncy and snappy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and enhanced responsiveness during typing. The polished finish of the switch results in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dream switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch delivers a combination of accented tactility, bounciness, snappiness, and polished key travel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can achieve similar results with these switches by considering factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and affordability, making them top choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of feel and sound. If you prefer a very light linear switch that is easy to press and offers a mild typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Dareu Dream switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, characterized by an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, along with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch would be a great option to consider. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most.
Mentioned in this article
