Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, individuals will notice distinct differences in their design and functionality. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a unique poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a smooth tactile sensation that appeals to users who enjoy a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that lacks a specific standout feature but provides a standard clicky typing experience. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those seeking quality within a budget, the Outemu Spring Breeze may be more suitable for individuals looking for a traditional clicky switch. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze, one notable difference lies in their top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a crisper and more resonant sound, contrasting with the duller and rounder sound of the nylon in the Spring Breeze.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches incorporate nylon for this component. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. Whether it's the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Spring Breeze, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in enhancing the overall typing experience by creating a more muted and rounded sound. Despite the similarities in housing materials, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will differ slightly between the two switches, providing a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Considering the impact of housing materials on sound profiles, the differences between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze can be attributed to their top and bottom housing materials. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound quality with a sharper pitch, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a more substantial and rounded sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite minor variations in sound characteristics, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their preferences in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a similar bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making it slightly lighter to trigger a keystroke. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly faster typing response with the Spring Breeze, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro may offer a slightly more solid feel during typing. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who prefer faster inputs. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze provides a deeper keypress with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different feel and experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Spring Breeze 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 the sound department, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out with its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience that pairs well with its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the sound of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is yet to be determined. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is often described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. These switches offer a balanced tactile response that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle, giving users a satisfying typing experience with smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch is currently unknown.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch provides an excellent combination of audible feedback and tactile sensation, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remain unknown, it's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your preferences and needs as a keyboard user. If you value a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth keypresses, and a creamy, tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for an option that provides a bouncy and snappy typing experience, then the Outemu Spring Breeze could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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