Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Dareu Snow, both linear switches. The Akko V3 Piano Pro is distinguished by its Piano Pro switches, known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow features an innovative use of POK material for a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear feel. While the Akko V3 Piano Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Dareu Snow is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch offers unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, making it essential to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best match for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that both keyboards utilize nylon for their top housing. This material is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Snow features a POK top housing, which is hailed for its smoothness and durability. Despite the differences in material, both keyboards are likely to produce similar results in terms of sound quality, with the nylon top housing providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the smoother and clackier sound produced by the POK material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Snow boast nylon as their chosen material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The decision to use nylon for the bottom housing of both keyboards is likely to create a consistent typing experience for users, as the material's properties are known to enhance the overall sound quality of the switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the V3 Piano Pro and the Snow may differ in material, the impact of each housing on the overall sound profile of the switches is significant. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or POK, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material will play a key role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Ultimately, both keyboards offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the V3 Piano Pro emphasizing a deeper sound profile with nylon, while the Snow focuses on smoothness and durability with POK.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force can be seen. The V3 Piano Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. On the other hand, the Snow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, putting it in the medium category. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Piano Pro may be preferred by those who enjoy typing for extended periods without fatigue, while the heavier push feel of the Snow may be more appealing to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter, while the Snow is slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force exerted during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it could make a difference in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. For those who prefer a bit more depth to their keystrokes, the V3 Piano Pro might be the better option. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the amount of travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive to the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized by a clacky and resonant sound signature, delivering a sharp and snappy noise with a higher pitch for an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep, rich, and bass-heavy tone when typing. Both switches offer distinct auditory qualities, with the V3 Piano Pro being livelier and crisper, while the Snow switch offers a deeper and more satisfying sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Dareu Snow switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction and refined key travel. Although the Snow switch lacks specific descriptors beyond bouncy in terms of feel, it can be inferred that it also provides a responsive and tactile typing experience akin to the V3 Piano Pro switch.
Considering the available information, it is clear that both the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Piano Pro switch boasts a lively and crisp sound with a smooth tactile experience, the Snow switch provides a deeper and more satisfying sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. The V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a switch with innovative materials, the Dareu Snow linear switch might be the better fit for you. The Snow switch stands out for its thocky and neutral sound profile, along with a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. Both switches have their unique characteristics and excel in different areas, so consider your preferences and typing style when making your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the V3 Piano Pro or the Snow, you can expect a high-quality linear switch that enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
