Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering a distinct experience tailored to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its poppy and clacky sound profile that provides both audible and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who relish a lively, interactive typing experience. Its smooth operation, coupled with a satisfying tactile bump, appeals to those who enjoy a more engaged connection with their keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, prioritizes a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile feedback or auditory click, making it an ideal option for gamers seeking rapid, quiet key presses for swift actions. While the Cream Blue Pro enhances the joy of every keystroke with its pronounced sound and tactile feel, the Silver provides a more streamlined experience for those who prefer silent efficiency. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in remarkably similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, yielding a crisp auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from this translucent material, making them ideal candidates for use with RGB lighting. Users looking for vibrant lighting effects will find that both switches can deliver impressive illumination, enhancing the overall keyboard aesthetics while ensuring a clear and resonant sound.
Contrasting the top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which lends a different auditory character to the overall experience. While polycarbonate top housings produce a more pronounced key release sound, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile when bottoming out. This softer plastic absorbs more sound vibrations, leading to a rounded auditory response that balances out the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops. Thus, although both switches utilize similar materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch creates a unique yet complementary sound profile.
When considering the interplay of these materials, it's clear that both switches can produce a rich typing experience. The sharpness of the polycarbonate top harmonizes with the fuller sound of the nylon bottom, rendering similar results in terms of overall auditory performance, despite varying responses. Both switches offer the advantages of their respective materials: enhanced clarity from polycarbonate on release and a mellow bottoming sound from nylon. This synergy results in a sophisticated auditory experience for the user, ensuring that whether one chooses the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Outemu Silver, they can expect a well-rounded and engaging typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we can see some notable differences in their force characteristics. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same light touch to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for those who prefer less effort during extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Silver is heavier at 65 grams. This means that while both switches are similar in triggering strokes, the Outemu Silver requires more force to fully bottom out, offering a more substantial feel for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro can be considered the lighter option, while the Outemu Silver provides a heavier push.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the shorter of the two options, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive keypress that may benefit gamers looking for quick reactions. Conversely, the Outemu Silver's 4 mm travel distance caters to users who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel with each keystroke, which can be more satisfying for typing and casual use. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a faster response, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the better choice, while the Outemu Silver is ideal for users who prefer a fuller, more traditional 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 Silver 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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is well-regarded for its characteristic poppy and clacky tones, offering an engaging auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This lively sound, coupled with its smooth operation, creates a joyful typing environment, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate acoustic feedback during use. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound qualities remain undefined, leaving its auditory character less clear. However, it is important to note that the overall sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors, potentially leading to relatively comparable auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a well-rounded typing experience characterized by its balanced tactility. It is described as ‘accented,’ meaning it offers a prominent tactile sensation that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. The switch is also ‘bouncy,’ providing a springy feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, while being ‘snappy’ ensures responsive keystrokes with each press. Furthermore, the polished finish leads to a smooth travel that many users will appreciate. Unfortunately, the Outemu Silver lacks a detailed description of its tactile feel, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out with its vibrant sound and delightful tactile feel, catering well to users who crave a lively typing experience. While the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound and feel characteristics are less defined, it’s possible that individual preferences and specific configurations could yield similar results in terms of personal satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response, or if you seek the smooth, quiet typist experience provided by linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lively typing experience filled with auditory feedback, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be your ideal pick. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a distinctively poppy, clacky sound profile, it offers an engaging tactile sensation that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. The combination of accented, bouncy, and snappy characteristics sends a delightful response with each keystroke, making it perfect for writers, programmers, or anyone who craves an interactive feel. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more linear experience and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation at 65 grams, the Outemu Silver linear switch may be more your style. While it doesn't boast the same auditory charm, this switch delivers a consistent keystroke that's ideal for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where you prefer to minimize tactile feedback. In summary, your decision should align with whether you seek that satisfying click of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the streamlined efficiency of the Outemu Silver linear switch.
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