Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Firefly mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is both lively and smooth. This switch is best for those looking for quality within a budget and enjoy a creamy, tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch provides a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, offering a quieter typing experience compared to traditional clicky switches. If you prefer a quieter, easy-to-press switch with a chirpy feel, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Firefly, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting integration. However, the keyboards differ in their bottom housings, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro using nylon while the Firefly also employs polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Firefly.
Despite both keyboards featuring polycarbonate top housings, they offer different sound profiles due to their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing gives it a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Firefly's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a crisper and higher-pitched sound. This distinction in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and audio feedback of a keyboard. Additionally, the combination of different housing materials in each keyboard highlights the potential for unique sound characteristics based on the specific composition of the top and bottom housings.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Firefly demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can influence the sound profile and tactile feedback of a keyboard. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings to achieve a sharper and crisper sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Firefly's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights the importance of considering the entire composition of a keyboard when selecting a model based on sound preferences and typing feel. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in distinct typing experiences for users of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Firefly.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Firefly may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less exertion. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the preferred choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Dareu Firefly tactile switches, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Firefly's longer travel distance provides a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more tactile experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switches have a unique chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, deviating from the classic resonant clicky sound signature. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so it's essential to consider the overall setup to achieve the desired sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is smooth and refined. These switches offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, giving users a spring-like and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switches are easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions while still providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Dareu Firefly switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a lively and audible feedback with a creamy tactile sensation, the Firefly switches offer a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience with a unique chirpy sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find a switch that suits their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and a creamy tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter switch with a light actuation force and just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switch may be more suited to your typing style. Consider what type of sound and feel you prefer in a switch to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
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