Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is renowned for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, producing a unique poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch, while lacking a specific standout feature, provides a sleek and straightforward linear experience. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Outemu Silver switch does not fall under any specific categories. 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
45g
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 Silver both use polycarbonate for their top housing material, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through beautifully. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in terms of design and aesthetics to cater to different preferences.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound. Similarly, the Outemu Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a more subdued sound profile. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing in these switches ensures consistency in the typing experience and sound output.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Silver use polycarbonate for their top housing, they differentiate themselves with the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This allows each switch to offer a unique typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities to cater to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Silver switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's 55 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Silver switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the V3 Cream Black Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Silver switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Silver 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
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile and creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have specific descriptions available for its sound and feel qualities. However, based on the information provided, it is safe to say that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a smooth typing experience with a unique sound profile, while the Outemu Silver switch may provide a different, yet potentially similar experience. When comparing these switches, it is important to consider personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both switches may offer a high-quality typing experience, albeit with potential differences in their characteristics. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand would be the best way to determine which one suits your preferences and typing style the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a specific sound profile, feel, or other characteristics not mentioned here, the Outemu Silver linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your individual typing preferences and priorities.
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