Dareu Mahjong vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Mahjong boasts its distinctive green and white color scheme, along with a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a pleasing tactile experience with each keystroke. While the Mahjong is categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, the Piano Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs; however, let's dive deeper into the details so you can make the best decision for your switch choice.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see that both keyboards utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a duller and rounder sound. This commonality suggests that both keyboards may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound feedback and tactile response when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Mahjong's top housing uses POK material, which is lauded for its smoothness and durability, providing a clacky and durable switch experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may offer a slightly different sound profile, as nylon tends to create a more muffled and softer typing experience.
The difference in top housing material between the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko V3 Piano Pro can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Mahjong's POK top housing boasts a coefficient of friction that is higher than LY, which contributes to smooth and clacky switches. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muffled and softer typing experience. This divergence in top housing materials showcases how the choice of material can influence the sound and feel of a keyboard, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While both keyboards may provide durability, the Mahjong's POK material may offer a smoother and more tactile typing experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Akko V3 Piano Pro play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The use of POK material for the Mahjong's top housing provides smoothness and durability, resulting in clacky and tactile switches. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and softer sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more muffled typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing of both keyboards may provide similar sound feedback, the different top housing materials highlight how material choices can influence the overall feel and sound of a keyboard. Whether one prefers a smooth and clacky typing experience or a deeper and fuller sound profile, the housing materials of these keyboards cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Mahjong switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Mahjong. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mahjong may be the preferred choice, as it lacks a bottom out force measurement. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro, with its medium-light bottom out force, may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Mahjong. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Mahjong being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize speed and faster response times may prefer the Dareu Mahjong due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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, the Mahjong linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound characteristics, emphasizing a sharp and percussive typing experience. While the Mahjong offers a moderate and versatile sound, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a more lively and crisp auditory feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of flair with each keystroke.
When considering the feel of these switches, both the Mahjong and V3 Piano Pro are noted for their bouncy and polished characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. The Mahjong also offers a mild typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a gentle feel, whereas the V3 Piano Pro is described as creamy and silky, offering a buttery smooth sensation with minimal resistance. Overall, both switches offer a lively and polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
Taking into account the sound and feel of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it's clear that they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong excels in its versatile sound profile and gentle typing feel, making it a solid choice for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy and resonant sound signature, paired with a creamy and silky typing feel that provides an immersive and luxurious typing experience. Whether you prefer a neutral sound with a bouncy feel or a clacky sound with a smooth sensation, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a lively, poppy sound signature, opt for the Dareu Mahjong. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy, clacky sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience. Consider trying out both switches if possible to see which one suits you best.
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