Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Blue Jade. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, is highly praised for its affordability and quality. It offers a unique poppy and clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget who still value a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, is known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click sound. While the Cream Black Pro offers a creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, the Blue Jade provides a distinct tactile feel without much noise. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Blue Jade, we can see that the V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing while the Blue Jade has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which leads to a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Blue Jade feature nylon bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housings showcases how each material contributes differently to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Blue Jade may offer different sound profiles due to the differences in their top housings, but ultimately provide a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizes a crisper and sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches benefit from the soft nature of nylon in their bottom housings, absorbing sound to create a rounder and more muffled sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to individual preferences in sound characteristics.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. This means that while the initial push on the Blue Jade is lighter, the overall typing experience may feel similar due to the equal bottom out force. Some users may appreciate the lighter actuation force of the Blue Jade for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier push of the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel. Both switches offer different experiences, so it is important to consider what type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for before making a decision.
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 Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 offers a unique high-pitched, poppy, and clacky sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed. This sound profile is perfect for those who prefer a more sharp and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is often described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that typing on these switches offers a smooth and buttery sensation, with a spring-like feedback and an overall refined and sleek typing experience. Each keystroke feels effortless and satisfying, making them a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. As for the Outemu Blue Jade switch, information regarding its feel is not provided, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a high-quality sound and smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is a great choice. However, if you are seeking a clicky switch with a different sound and feel, further research or testing may be necessary to determine if the Outemu Blue Jade switch meets your preferences. It's important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and overall keyboard setup when choosing between different mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched sound with a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a clicky switch with a unique poppy and clacky sound, the Blue Jade could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what suits you best.
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