Dareu Master vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, both offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences. The Dareu Master switch is praised for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is known for its smooth and substantial feel, sharp bottom-out, and satisfying tactile feedback, catering to those who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that appeal to different types of typists and gamers. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Master and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro have unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Master's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Master's POM bottom housing maintains the same deep and muted sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing delivers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
In terms of sound profile, the Dareu Master and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct experiences based on their housing materials. The POM top housing of the Master creates a unique sound that leans towards the deeper end, contrasting with the crisper and higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the more muted sound of the POM bottom housing of the Master. These differences in housing materials result in varying typing experiences for users.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer different sound profiles, they both prioritize creating a pleasing typing experience for users. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings in each switch ensure that users can feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while experiencing the sound influenced by the top housing when letting go of the key. Whether it's the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches aim to provide users with a unique and satisfying typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which requires 55 grams. However, the Dareu Master does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams. Those who prefer a lighter feel for typing or gaming may lean towards the Dareu Master due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro with its heavier bottom out force. In either case, users can expect a similar typing experience if the actuation and bottom out forces are the same. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Dareu Master being the shorter of the two. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Dareu Master due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro more to their liking with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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, both the Dareu Master and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as having a "clacky" sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Matcha Green Pro switches also offer a "resonant" sound experience, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory feedback. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect similar crisp and bright sound characteristics from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master switch is described as offering a "mild" typing experience with a "polished" finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a "bouncy" sensation with a "creamy" and "silky" feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with enhanced smoothness and minimized resistance. Both switches also boast a "polished" finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for users.
Overall, both the Dareu Master and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Master switch provides a classic clacky sound and a medium weight feel, the Matcha Green Pro switches deliver a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. Whether you prefer a more traditional sound profile with exceptional smoothness like the Master switch or a bouncy and creamy typing experience like the Matcha Green Pro switches, both options cater to different preferences while ensuring a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master linear switch 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 resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be better suited for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom-out force to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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