Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Crystal are both linear switches that offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, perfect for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal offers a more elastic feel with a medium-light weight, resulting in a distinct linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Crystal is characterized by its chirpy, high-pitched, and polished attributes. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Crystal use polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting effects. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Crystal results in a variation in sound profiles when typing on the switches. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon on the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creating a deeper sound compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the top housing material remains the same, ensuring similar overall results in terms of sound quality and resonance.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches, such as polycarbonate and nylon, significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Crystal utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the use of nylon in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of different housing materials in the switches results in a unique typing feel and sound that enthusiasts can consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may gravitate towards the Outemu Crystal for longer typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which makes it shorter than the Outemu Crystal linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker and more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed and accuracy in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a deeper and more satisfying typing experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal switches are known for their chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, offering a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively sound compared to the Crystal's neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, these switches are described as bouncy and snappy, offering a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Crystal switches are also characterized as polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more varied tactile feedback compared to the Crystal's focus on a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a smooth tactile feel, the Crystal stands out for its unique chirpy sound profile and polished typing experience. Whether you prefer a lively typing sensation or a more refined and smooth feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal linear switches would be the ideal option. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches, as both offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the auditory and tactile experience of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the unique typing feel of the Crystal switches.
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