Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Cream Pink both offer a linear typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a stand-out choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. With its unique poppy and clacky sound, along with a smooth feel, it is a popular choice among users. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink provides a different typing experience, categorized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished. While the Cream Pink may not have as much hype surrounding it, it still has its own qualities to offer. 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
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Cream Pink switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, albeit for different reasons. The V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing is chosen for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, users can expect a distinct auditory experience with each switch due to the differences in their top housing material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Cream Pink switches utilize nylon, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the top housing may have more impact on the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the switches may still offer subtle differences in typing feel due to other design elements.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Cream Pink switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the V3 Cream Black Pro providing a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Cream Pink offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. The similarities in nylon bottom housing material ensure a consistent typing experience in terms of sound absorption and rounder sound profile, but the differences in top housing material can lead to distinct typing experiences for users looking for specific qualities in a mechanical switch.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in terms of overall weight. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a slightly stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Cream Pink offers a lighter actuation force for those who prefer to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottoming out force, so users can expect a consistent typing experience with either option.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cream Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly shallower feeling when pressed compared to the Cream Pink, which provides a more traditional travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Cream Pink. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Cream Pink 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 is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, offering a sharp and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not have specified sound characteristics available. Depending on personal preference, the high-pitched sound of the V3 Cream Black Pro may be preferred by those who enjoy a more sharp and precise auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth, buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback and responsiveness. The Cream Pink linear switch does not have specific feel characteristics listed. The combination of creamy smoothness, bounciness, snappiness, and polished finish in the V3 Cream Black Pro enhances the overall typing experience, creating a seamless and refined feel with each keystroke.
Overall, while the sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch may appeal to those who prefer a high-pitched tone, its feel characteristics contribute to a premium typing experience. In contrast, with limited information available on the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison. However, based on the known qualities of the V3 Cream Black Pro, if the Cream Pink offers similar smoothness, responsiveness, and polished feel, users can expect a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a high-pitched, poppy sound and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, then the V3 Cream Black Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if sound and feel are not significant factors for you and you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Cream Pink could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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