Dareu Dream vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is praised for its light linear feel and affordability, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for quality on a budget. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a more tactile and polished 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
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon as their bottom housing. The Dream and the V3 Piano Pro both emphasize these qualities with their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience across both switches.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ, with the Dream featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the softer and more absorbing nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro. This results in a more clear and resonant sound profile for the Dream, making it stand out in terms of sound characteristics when compared to the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Dareu Dream and the Akko V3 Piano Pro plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, in contrast to the duller and rounder sound produced by the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, showcasing how subtle variations can significantly impact the typing experience for users.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Dream requires 40 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the V3 Piano Pro needs 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream's force is unknown, whereas the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dream may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 4mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. The Dream switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users looking for a more responsive typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference can impact the overall feel and performance depending on the user's preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper keypress or a quicker response time.
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 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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, both the Dareu Dream and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Dream or the V3 Piano Pro, you can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by crisp and bright keystrokes. However, the V3 Piano Pro also offers a "resonant" sound profile, which adds a higher-pitched and immersive quality to the typing experience, providing an extra layer of auditory enjoyment.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switches are described as "easy-to-press," offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer a range of descriptors such as "bouncy," "creamy," "polished," and "silky," indicating a diverse and enhanced tactile experience with rebound feedback, smooth key travel, and reduced friction for a polished typing feel. With both options, users can enjoy a pleasant and responsive typing sensation tailored to their preferences.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, both the Dareu Dream and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dream excels in affordability and easy actuation, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and a variety of tactile experiences. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch, ensuring a quality typing experience that aligns with their individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dream or the V3 Piano Pro, you can expect a pleasing and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience that meets your desired sound and tactile requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a very light linear switch that is both affordable and of good quality, the Dareu Dream switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch that offers a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and budget.
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