Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown both offer tactile feedback, but each brings its unique qualities to the table. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, delivering a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback but lacks distinctive characteristics. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Crystal Brown does not fall into any specific category. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting setups. However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Crystal Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder sound.
Since both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a consistent sound profile when pressing down on the keys. The characteristics of the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key, providing a clear and resonant tone in both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Crystal Brown switches. However, the differences in the nylon bottom housing between the two switches may result in varying bottom-out sensations. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, while the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound upon key press.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown share a polycarbonate top housing that ensures a sharp and crisp sound profile, the choice of nylon bottom housing sets them apart. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound experience with its softer nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal Brown offers a similar typing sensation with a slightly different sound due to its own nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to their unique sound profiles and typing feels.
Weight
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them both medium-light in terms of weight. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down. The similarity in weight between these two switches means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Crystal Brown's 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Crystal Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a quicker press and the Crystal Brown providing a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Crystal 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
As an expert in mechanical keyboard switches, I can confidently say that the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, accompanied by a commendable level of smoothness. This makes it a great choice for users who enjoy a lively and audible typing experience with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch in terms of sound are unknown. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, providing a medium tactile feedback that is both noticeable and balanced. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Crystal Brown switch is not provided. Overall, if the sound and feel qualities are similar between the two switches, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing experience, depending on their personal preferences and setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile with a creamy tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, the Outemu Crystal Brown could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, so your decision should primarily be based on the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing preferences.
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