Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue stand out as popular choices with unique features. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is favored for its budget-friendly price tag and delivers a satisfying tactile experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is both smooth and responsive. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is celebrated for its clicky feedback that offers a satisfying auditory experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Milk Blue does not have any specific categorizations. Both switches have their strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Milk Blue, we find that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. While both switches share this similarity in their top housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of this classic switch housing material for creating a rounder and duller sound.
Although the top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue may be the same, their bottom housings differ in material composition. While the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, the Milk Blue also benefits from the acoustic properties of a nylon bottom housing. This split in housing materials highlights how the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches benefit from utilizing nylon in their bottom housing, showcasing the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound profiles.
Overall, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue demonstrates a purposeful selection of materials to enhance sound characteristics. While the polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile with the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting, the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether users opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Milk Blue, they can expect similar results in sound profile and feel due to the strategic combination of housing materials in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Milk Blue's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the V3 Cream Blue Pro. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more consistent typing experience throughout the keystroke, as users will feel the same resistance from actuation to bottoming out. Consideration of weight is crucial, as those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who appreciate a stronger push may opt for the Milk Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches provide users with a variety of options based on their preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Blue switch. This means that the Cream Blue Pro will require less distance to actuate compared to the Milk Blue switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cream Blue Pro for its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper tactile feel may lean towards the Milk Blue switch. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences.
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 Milk Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is both lively and audible. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound profile is yet to be described, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized as having a combination of different qualities such as being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that users can expect a medium level of tactility, a lively and spring-like feel, great responsiveness, and a smooth typing experience. As for the Milk Blue switch, information about its tactile qualities is not available at this time.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and sound profile that caters to users looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. While the details of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are yet to be revealed, it is important to consider personal preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, and with the right setup, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it's important to consider your priorities. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. However, if you value a clicky switch with a unique sound profile, the Milk Blue may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and budget. Happy typing!
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