Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a smooth tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. While the Cream Blue Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Cold Plum's category is not specified. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum, we can see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum use nylon material for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to creating a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on them, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who prefer a more muted sound.
Interestingly, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in these switches impacts how the sound and feel are distributed when typing. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro may offer a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, users of the Cold Plum can enjoy a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon top housing. Ultimately, both switches provide unique sound profiles based on the combination of materials used in their housings, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light feel. In contrast, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy touch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is more suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cold Plum provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier force for tactile feedback. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. In terms of tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile bump while the Cold Plum provides a smooth linear response. Despite their different switch types, their travel distances are identical, making them both equally suitable for individuals who prefer a key switch with a 3.3 mm travel distance.
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 Cold Plum 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 considering the sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, the Cream Blue Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, while the Cold Plum switches provide a thocky sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches deliver unique and enjoyable sounds that can elevate the typing experience for users, depending on their personal preferences and setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile feedback that is smooth and responsive. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches provide a smooth keystroke that is satisfying and enjoyable. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro focusing on a lively and responsive feel, while the Cold Plum emphasizes a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience for users. The Cream Blue Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, along with a lively and responsive feel. Meanwhile, the Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound and a smooth keystroke for a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. Whether choosing the Cream Blue Pro for its audible feedback or the Cold Plum for its smooth feel, both switches offer quality options that can cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation at a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique thocky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and a satisfying typing feel at a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cold Plum may be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and bottom out force that align with your personal typing preferences and needs.
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