Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, both stand out for their unique qualities. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are a great option for those on a budget who still want a high-quality typing experience. With a poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and characteristics like being creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished, these switches deliver an impressive performance right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Categorized as thocky and mild, these switches provide a different typing experience compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which lead to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Due to the translucency of polycarbonate, these switches are also ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, despite the similarities in top housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings, respectively, the Outemu Red Panda also features polycarbonate for its top housing but uses nylon for both top and bottom housings. This difference in housing materials may result in a slightly different typing experience for users of these switches. The split between the qualities each housing material brings to the switch means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Outemu Red Panda switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and crisp sound when typing, while the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Cream Black Pro produces a deeper sound profile compared to the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch. Opting for the V3 Cream Black Pro would provide a typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those looking for a more substantial typing feedback. Meanwhile, the Red Panda offers a lighter touch, perfect for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the V3 Cream Black Pro being the heavier option and the Red Panda offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar amount of travel distance, resulting in a consistent typing experience between the two switches. Overall, whether you choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro or the Outemu Red Panda, you can expect a standardized travel distance of 3.3 mm for optimal typing comfort and feedback.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 considering the sound of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch versus the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it's evident that the Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched and crisp sound, perfect for those who prefer a sharper tone. In contrast, the Red Panda provides a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and satisfying thud when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a rich and bassy sound profile. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their desired sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as mild, providing a gentler typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. The Cream Black Pro's creamy and polished attributes contribute to a silky typing experience, while the Red Panda's mild characteristics ensure a comfortable and approachable feel for most users. Overall, both switches deliver unique tactile experiences that cater to varied typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro stands out for its high-pitched sound and creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, the Red Panda provides a thocky sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, users can select between these switches based on their personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to their individual tastes. Whether choosing the Cream Black Pro or the Red Panda, users can expect high-quality performance and a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, clacky sound profile with a high-pitched sound when typing, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a thocky, satisfying sound profile, the Red Panda is the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel when typing, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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