Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that is complemented by a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed switches and punchy tactile bump. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is lauded for its affordability and lively feedback, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a silent yet tactile typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Silent Yellow Jade use nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the different top and bottom housing materials used in these switches, the overall typing experience is likely to be similar, with both types of plastic contributing to the sound profile and feel of the switches.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by users. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches use nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a consistent typing experience. The differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering the individual characteristics of each switch when deciding on the best option for a particular typing preference.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Silent Yellow Jade with a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a lighter overall typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and forceful typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is identical, with both switches featuring a travel distance of 3.3mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. As a result, users can expect consistent tactile feedback and actuation feel from both switches. Consequently, choosing between the two switches will likely come down to other factors such as sound level, actuation force, and overall typing feel rather than 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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 V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer contrasting auditory experiences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with its creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches are known for offering a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, making them ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. It's 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 V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches offer a spring-like, elastic feedback that gives a lively feel and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches is currently unavailable.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a distinct poppy sound profile and a smooth, tactile typing experience, making it a great choice for users who value audible feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches prioritize a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a budget-friendly option with a lively, poppy sound profile and a creamy, tactile feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and budget.
Mentioned in this article
