Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a unique poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth tactile sensation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy audible feedback and a creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is a linear switch that is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes without any tactile bump, providing a more straightforward typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Black switch does not have any specific characteristics attributed to it. Both switches have their advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Black switches both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The Outemu Black also features a nylon bottom housing, leading to a similar sound profile as the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
However, despite both switches having similar housing materials, the distribution of these materials in the switches can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing, also polycarbonate or nylon, will influence the sound when a key is released. This differentiation in the housing materials allows for a varied sound and feel when typing on each switch, even if they share similar properties in their materials.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Black switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing, the distribution of these materials in the switches can lead to distinct typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharp and resonant sound profile, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound and feel of typing can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in weight. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Black's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams while the Black has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch offers a heavier and more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being better for long-term typing comfort and heavier switches providing a more solid typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its shorter actuation point. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black may provide a more satisfactory feel to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Outemu Black 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, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there are noticeable distinctions in both sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively auditory feedback that complements its smooth tactility. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Black switch is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare. When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, catering to users who prefer a medium tactile switch with a noticeable amount of tactility. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Black switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. In conclusion, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a distinctive sound and smooth tactile feedback, the Outemu Black switch may offer a different typing experience that is not directly comparable based on the available information. To achieve similar results in sound and feel, it is recommended to try out both switches on the same keyboard with identical keycaps to truly determine the differences and similarities between them.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, you should choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro if you value a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth tactile sensation, and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch, with its heavy bottom out force of 82 grams, is better suited for users who prefer a heavier and more firm typing experience without any tactile feedback. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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