Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Red, a linear switch, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value the most in a mechanical keyboard switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly nature while delivering a satisfying tactile experience with a poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red offers a smooth linear feel without any tactile bump, favored by users who prioritize consistent keypresses for fast-paced gaming or typing. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Red, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro uses nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a different sound experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This split between housing materials allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing's impact is more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound in a different way.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a unique auditory experience, with a sharp, crisp sound from the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout provides a sharp and resonant sound profile overall. Both switches deliver high-quality sound, with the materials used in their housings contributing to the distinctive characteristics of each.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Red has a lower bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lighter initial keystroke but requires more force to fully press down, offering a balance between typing comfort and typing feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch has a consistent medium force throughout the keystroke, providing a more uniform typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter initial press or a more consistent force throughout the keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing the two, the Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, faster press or a longer, more pronounced key press.
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 Red 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 switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which is accompanied by a smooth feel. This auditory feedback is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a lively, audible response combined with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is not known, so it is difficult to compare directly. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These descriptors indicate a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience. The bouncy and snappy qualities offer a lively feel and quick response, while the polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of the switch. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a unique combination of lively sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking quality in a mechanical keyboard switch. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Red linear switch are unknown, users can expect a similar level of performance in terms of responsiveness and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget constraints.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you are someone who values a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound profile along with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a simple, smooth linear switch for a more straightforward typing experience, then the Outemu Red would be a suitable option. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and your typing preferences when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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