Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Mahjong both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, known for its poppy and clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches from Dareu feature a distinctive green and white color scheme, providing a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience. While the Cream Black Pro is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Mahjong is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths, 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Mahjong feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smooth and clacky typing experience, with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While both switches share a top housing material that contributes to their overall sound profiles, the POK material of the Mahjong offers additional benefits in terms of smoothness and durability compared to the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Black Pro.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to produce a duller and rounder sound. This shared bottom housing material allows both switches to offer a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile. While the top housing material may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel of the switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Mahjong may differ in their top housings, they both share nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deep and full sound profile when typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a sharper and more resonant sound, while the POK top housing of the Mahjong provides a smooth and durable typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the major difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium to heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mahjong has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Mahjong potentially lighter in feel compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. Lighter switches like the Mahjong are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches like the V3 Cream Black Pro provide a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Mahjong is lighter, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Mahjong switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the key switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, giving a sharp and distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. While the Cream Black Pro switch is more poppy and clacky, the Mahjong switch delivers a lively sound signature ideal for typing.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback when pressed. It also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and sleek key travel. Similarly, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a bouncy and polished typing feel, with a mild characteristic that caters to a gentle typing experience. Both switches deliver a refined feel with smooth key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing session.
Considering all the available information, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer subtle differences in sound and feel, they both provide high-quality performance and smooth typing experiences. Whether you prefer a more high-pitched and creamy sound or a neutral and mild sound, both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience for any enthusiast looking for budget-friendly options. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both will provide similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are on a budget but still want high-quality switches with a unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth typing experience, and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive green and white color scheme, lively and poppy sound signature, effortless typing experience, and a bottom out force that is unavailable, then the Dareu Mahjong linear switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and budget constraints.
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