Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch that is highly praised for its budget-friendly price and premium quality. Known for its unique poppy and clacky sound, these switches are smooth to the touch, making typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that offers a tactile feedback with each keystroke. While the Cream Black Pro is creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Milk Blue offers a different typing experience. 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
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. The use of polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better light transmission. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, these two switches are very similar due to their shared top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
The division of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when bottoming out a key, affecting the sound and feel of the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue may vary in their bottom housing material, both switches are designed to provide a balance of tactile feedback and sound quality, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, both falling in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Milk Blue may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. This lighter touch can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, for users who enjoy a more robust typing experience, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the V3 Cream Black Pro may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Milk Blue clicky switch provides a deeper depth and a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Milk Blue 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 stands out for its high-pitched and poppy sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a specific description available, but typically clicky switches like the Milk Blue are known for producing a more pronounced sound with a tactile feedback when pressed. It ultimately comes down to personal preference as to whether you prefer a high-pitched linear sound or a clicky one.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is praised for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback. The keys feel polished and responsive, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. Conversely, the feel of the Milk Blue switch is not specified, but clicky switches like this tend to provide a tactile bump and audible click when activated, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy feedback while typing.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch excels in providing a high-pitched sound, smooth feel, and responsive feedback, the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue switch are unknown. However, based on typical characteristics of clicky switches, you can expect a more tactile and audible typing experience. It's essential to consider your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you value a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more tactile feel, the Milk Blue may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
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