Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Black. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is a favorite among budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Known for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, it offers a vibrant auditory experience coupled with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is also a linear switch, but doesn't have any specific standout features. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, while the Black doesn't have any specific categorizations. Both switches have their own advantages and reasons why you might choose them; 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
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 Yellow Pro and Outemu Black both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Outemu Black's nylon bottom housing also offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the properties of nylon. While the top housings of both switches may be the same, the differences in bottom housing materials result in slightly varying sound experiences.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing material of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro versus the all-polycarbonate construction of the Outemu Black may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, providing options for different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Outemu Black linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. This makes the V3 Cream Yellow Pro ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Outemu Black switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being lighter and the Outemu Black being heavier, providing users with different options to cater to their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, quicker travel distance or a longer, more substantial key press feel.
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 Black 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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound, which provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound quality is not specified. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a smooth and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the switch is described as feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, enhancing the overall typing feel. Unfortunately, the Outemu Black linear switch's feel characteristics are not provided.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch stands out for its satisfying sound profile and smooth tactile feel, appealing to those seeking an affordable yet high-quality switch option. While we lack detailed information on the subjective qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch, if they perform similarly to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, users can expect a comparable auditory experience and typing feel. Ultimately, individual preferences will play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with 60 grams bottom out force might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and don't mind the extra resistance, the Black with 82 grams bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you desire.
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