Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Purple offer different experiences to users. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality features, including a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a clicky switch that doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned. So, while the Cream Blue Pro may be ideal for those who enjoy a lively, audible feedback with tactile satisfaction, the Dustproof Purple lacks defining characteristics. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the transparency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties.
On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple also features a polycarbonate top housing like the V3 Cream Blue Pro, providing similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits. However, the Dustproof Purple distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, which adds to its sound profile by creating a duller and rounder tone during typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing is noted for its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a unique typing experience that emphasizes the depth of the key press.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Purple share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differentiation in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon delivers a balanced sound with a sharper top-out and deeper bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple's dual housing materials offer a crisper top-out sound and a fuller, rounder bottom-out experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Dustproof Purple is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a slightly gentler typing experience due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches provide tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter or heavier switch ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switch provides a deeper press and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a faster response or a more robust 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 Dustproof Purple 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 comparing the sound of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, the Cream Blues are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the Dustproof Purples are unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as providing an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. These qualities indicate a medium level of tactility, a spring-like feedback, responsive key presses, and smooth key travel. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch is not specified. If the Dustproof Purple switch falls under a similar category of switches as the Cream Blue Pro, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out for its distinct sound profile and smooth tactile sensation, making it an attractive option for those looking for a quality switch on a budget. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch are not explicitly mentioned, if they share similarities with the Cream Blue Pro, users can anticipate a pleasant typing experience with responsive feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, and a creamy, tactile sensation with smoothness, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a specific sound profile or tactile feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and priorities when making your decision.
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