Dareu Dream vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is also a linear switch but is favored for its smooth and substantial keystrokes, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This means that both keyboards will offer a similar sound experience, especially when it comes to key presses and typing feedback.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Dream utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. This means that despite the difference in top housings, the bottom housings of both keyboards will deliver a comparable typing sound and feel.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will result in a balanced typing experience with a range of sound profiles throughout each key press.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Dream is unknown while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams, signifying a heavier feel when fully pressed. The lighter actuation force of the Dream may appeal to those looking for a smoother and easier typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial and tactile typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Dream offering a lighter touch and the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a heavier push.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dream being slightly longer than the Matcha Green Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Matcha Green Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Dareu Dream more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
When it comes to sound, both the Dareu Dream and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches also provide a "resonant" sound profile, featuring a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. This difference in sound could be due to design variations in the switches, as well as factors like the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, if you enjoy a crisp and bright sound with a touch of resonance, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches would be the ideal choice.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches are characterized as "easy-to-press" and "mild," offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. These switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a "bouncy," "creamy," "polished," and "silky" typing experience, emphasizing a spring-like feedback, smooth key travel, and reduced friction. If you prefer a livelier and smoother typing feel that glides effortlessly with each keystroke, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches would be a suitable option for you.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Dareu Dream linear switches offer a light and affordable linear option with a clacky sound and easy-to-press, mild feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches provide a smooth and substantial linear option with a clacky and resonant sound, along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the sharp and budget-friendly Dareu Dream switches or the resonant and luxurious Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches to enhance your typing and gaming sessions. Ultimately, by selecting either switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a light and affordable linear switch with a satisfying typing experience, the Dareu Dream linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch that provides a smooth and solid keystroke with clear tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter feel and affordability or a more substantial and responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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