Dareu Holly vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Dareu Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience for users seeking something out of the ordinary. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel, giving typists and gamers a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out for clear tactile feedback. While the Holly switch caters to those looking for a unique typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro switches cater to individuals who appreciate a more traditional tactile feedback. 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
50g
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
Both the Dareu Holly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. However, while the Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for similar sound qualities. In this aspect, both keyboards offer a pleasant typing experience with a combination of sharpness and depth in sound.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both keyboards allows for a quieter typing experience due to its sound-absorbing properties. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics in the bottom housing. Both the Dareu Holly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro prioritize a quieter typing experience through the use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring that users can enjoy a deeper and fuller sound without the clattering noise often associated with mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the differences in housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro lie mainly in their top housings, where polycarbonate is used for a sharper sound profile. However, the similarities in utilizing nylon for the bottom housing provide consistent sound-absorbing properties for a quieter typing experience on both keyboards. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience with a blend of different sound qualities for users to enjoy.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is 63 grams, which is heavier than the bottom out force of None for the Holly switch. This means that while the Holly switch may require less force to actuate, it is unknown how much force is needed to fully press the key down, whereas the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a known heavier force required to bottom out. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, with the Holly switch being lighter and potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier push during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the V3 Matcha Green Pro slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Holly. The 0.2mm may seem like a small difference, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others may find the Holly more comfortable with its slightly longer travel distance providing a more substantial feel. In the end, both switches offer a different feel based on their respective travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a crisp and percussive clacky sound, with an added resonant quality for an immersive auditory experience. While both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, the Holly leans towards a chirpy and clacky sound, whereas the Matcha Green Pro presents a clacky and resonant tone. Depending on personal preference, users can expect different auditory experiences when typing on these two switches, ultimately influencing the overall typing atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, information on the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described to offer a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. With lively feedback, smooth and buttery key presses, reduced friction, and enhanced smoothness, the Matcha Green Pro switch provides a range of tactile qualities for users to enjoy. While the feel of the Holly switch remains a mystery, the Matcha Green Pro's versatile tactile characteristics ensure a satisfying and responsive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel. The Holly stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound profile, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. In comparison, the Matcha Green Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, accompanied by a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile feel for a solid and responsive keystroke. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience with the desired qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch with a bottom out force of 63 grams would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.