Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality attributes, delivering a unique poppy and clacky sound coupled with smoothness that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is characterized by a tactile bump providing a satisfying feedback to users. While the Cream Black Pro stands out for its creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, the Maple Leaf switch does not have any specific standout features. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 V3 Cream Black Pro and the Maple Leaf, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on either switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that the typing experience on both switches may feel somewhat similar, emphasizing a deeper and more resonant sound when compared to switches with different bottom housing materials.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, particularly when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the bottom housing may play a larger role in the overall typing experience, the difference in top housing material between the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Maple Leaf may lead to a variance in sound quality when pressing and releasing keys.
Overall, while both switches share a common nylon bottom housing material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing adds a unique element to its sound profile. The sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing sets it apart from the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and richer sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more distinctive and clear sound compared to the Maple Leaf.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy switches. While both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force required, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may feel slightly lighter due to its linear nature compared to the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf. The actuation force is crucial for determining how much effort is needed to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to fully press the key. Overall, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel, with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro providing a smoother typing experience and the Outemu Maple Leaf offering a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on the keys with either of these switches, users will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures consistent typing experiences for users who prefer either linear or tactile switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they both offer a standard 3.3 mm 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 Maple Leaf 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound profile. This stands in contrast to the Unknown sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. When considering sound quality, it is important to take into account other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, as they can greatly impact the overall auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a lively rebound when pressed. This switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remains unknown. Due to the lack of available information, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feedback and typing experience of the two switches.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a unique sound profile with a high-pitched and crisp sound, along with a smooth and bouncy typing experience that is polished and refined. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remain unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a switch for a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound accompanied by smoothness, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and enjoy a creamy, bouncy, snappy, or polished typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not have a specific preference for sound or feel, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and budget.
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