Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Brown are both tactile switches that offer unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its affordability and quality, providing a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile accompanied by smoothness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience but lacks specific standout features. Choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 main difference between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Brown lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Brown's nylon bottom housing. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Brown offer a unique typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the sound and feel of pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when letting go of a key. This distribution of qualities enhances the overall tactile feedback and sound profile of each switch, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Brown share a polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings provide distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nylon bottom housing, while the Brown produces a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
Compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. The Outemu Brown, on the other hand, has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. Both switches provide tactile feedback, but the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter touch while the Outemu Brown offers a heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Outemu Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance may impact the typing or gaming experience for individuals, as a shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times favored by gamers, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, creating a lively auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not widely documented, but it is likely to provide a more subdued and subtle typing sound compared to the Cream Blue Pro. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a medium level of tactility that is not too overwhelming or subtle, coupled with a spring-like rebound sensation and a smooth, refined key travel experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not specified, but it is likely to offer a more standard tactile sensation without the unique characteristics found in the Cream Blue Pro.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Brown tactile switches offer varying experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, making it a great option for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the specifics of the Outemu Brown switch's sound and feel are less documented, but it is expected to provide a more traditional tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-light bottom out force, vibrant sound profile, and smooth tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile and reliable tactile switch, the Outemu Brown switch might be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully to make the best decision for your typing experience.
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