Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, known for its linear feel, and the Outemu Silent Grey, recognized for its tactile feedback, are both popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality performance, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth keystrokes, and a bouncy feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Cream Black Pro is creamy, high-pitched, and snappy, the Silent Grey is known for being silent while delivering a satisfying keystroke. 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
1.60 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
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 Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this similar material for their top housing, they may differ in terms of design and style.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic of nylon bottom housings impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with the use of nylon for their bottom housings.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, offering a sharp and clear sound profile perfect for RGB lighting. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizing nylon for a deeper sound profile, and the Silent Grey also using nylon for a fuller sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options for their typing preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force required for a full keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter touch while typing, the Outemu Silent Grey may be the preferable option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, with the V3 Cream Black Pro being the shorter option and the Silent Grey being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness or depth in key presses.
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 Silent Grey 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 is characterized by a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, with no specific information provided on its sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard layout, case material, and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is lauded for its creamy and bouncy typing experience. The switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, likely attributed to lubrication applied in the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the switches provides a spring-like feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a lively feel. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have specific details provided about its tactile attributes, leaving its feel characteristics unknown.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch excels in producing high-pitched sound and offering a creamy, bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is renowned for its silent and highly tactile typing experience, with further details on its sound and feel qualities remaining undisclosed. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and requirements, providing varied options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct qualities in their typing experience. It is important for newcomers to consider their sound and feel preferences when selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Outemu Silent Grey switches to ensure they find the most suitable option for their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a high-quality, smooth, and slightly loud typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke at the same medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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