Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Crystal mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, each offers a unique typing experience worth considering. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking quality, featuring a distinctive poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and a 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished' categorization. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal provides an elastic feel with a medium-light weight, resulting in a linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, and a 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished' categorization. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Crystal, we see that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, ensuring a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. The choice of material for the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the overall typing experience by affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a richer sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Crystal maintains a more consistent sound quality throughout, thanks to its polycarbonate bottom. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Crystal each offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures consistency in sound quality throughout typing sessions. Whether you prefer a richer sound or a more consistent tone, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for varied typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Crystal switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Crystal switch has a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Crystal switch offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch. The difference may seem minor, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more deliberate and deeper keystroke may lean towards the Outemu Crystal switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro being the shorter option and the Outemu Crystal being the longer option in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and poppy sound, creating a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a chirpy sound with a slight squeak, adding a unique acoustic signature to the typing experience. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Cream Black Pro providing a more noticeable click while the Crystal offering a subtle, neutral sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is praised for its creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and refined finish. Meanwhile, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, with the Cream Black Pro having a slightly more bouncy and responsive feel compared to the Crystal.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched and poppy sound along with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Crystal switch offers a chirpy sound and a polished typing experience. Overall, both switches deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly options with high-quality performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique poppy and clacky sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a neutral sound profile with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, and a polished typing feel, the Outemu Crystal may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and the overall sound and feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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