Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinct experiences for users. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong is a linear switch featuring a unique green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature with an effortless typing feel. Both switches have polished finishes, but the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as accented while the Mahjong is more neutral. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mahjong's POK top housing provides a smooth and clacky feel with exceptional durability. Both materials have their advantages, with polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency and POK offering superior wear and shock resistance.
In terms of bottom housing, both keyboards use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Mahjong share the same bottom housing material, the characteristics of nylon will be more prominent when bottoming out keys, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Dareu Mahjong significantly affects the typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate and POK top housings result in distinct sound profiles, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a sharper tone and the Mahjong providing a smoother and clacky feel. Additionally, the shared nylon bottom housing in both keyboards contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a more durable and smooth feel, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there is a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. In contrast, the Mahjong has the same actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter overall compared to the Mahjong due to its lower bottom out force. Lighter switches like the V3 Lavender Purple Pro are preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as they provide a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, heavier switches like the Mahjong may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mahjong switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience for some users. Those who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the Mahjong switch with the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch with the slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile feel based on their respective travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as having accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, giving it a medium level of tactility without being overpowering. These switches provide a lively and responsive typing experience with smooth key travel. In comparison, the Dareu Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, offering a gentler typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a polished feel with smooth key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a more pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a livelier typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a neutral sound profile and a gentler typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. Depending on personal preferences, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, you should take into account your preference for a tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound profile or a linear switch with a lively sound signature. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying tactile experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Mahjong linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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