Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Phoenix offer two distinct experiences for users. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that excels in providing a budget-friendly option with a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix is a clicky switch, known for its unique under-skirt click mechanism that delivers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound. While the Cream Blue Pro appeals to those looking for a lively and tactile feedback, the Phoenix is ideal for users seeking a distinctive clicky experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Phoenix both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the feel and sound of the switch differently. When pressing down on the V3 Cream Blue Pro, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, complementing the top housing's characteristics.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Phoenix ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Phoenix provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Both switches excel in their own ways, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. Overall, whether you choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Phoenix, you can expect high-quality housing materials that enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Phoenix has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Phoenix offers a slightly heavier feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different weights, catering to individuals who prefer lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is the same at 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and clicky sound, making them ideal choices for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a similar typing experience for users.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is complemented by a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix switches have a unique under-skirt click mechanism that offers a crystalline and sparkling type of sound profile, which sets them apart in the clicky switch category. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and the keyboard layout.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. They provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, yet still noticeable, along with a spring-like feedback that gives a lively sensation while typing. The polished finish adds smoothness to the key travel, reducing friction for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix switches are also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Outemu Phoenix switches offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue Pro switches give a poppy and clacky sound with a bouncy and polished feel, the Phoenix switches provide a crystalline and sparkling sound with a polished feel, which can appeal to different preferences. It's important to consider factors such as keycaps and keyboard design when choosing between these switches to ensure an optimal typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer satisfying feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lively and audible feedback combined with a creamy, tactile sensation at a budget-friendly price point, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a unique and sparkling clicky switch with a crunchy sound profile and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the Outemu Phoenix switch could be the better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your own typing preferences and needs before making a decision.
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