Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 cream yellow Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko cream yellow Pro V3 switches are perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches provide a distinct typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. While the cream yellow Pro is categorized as 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', 'bouncy', 'snappy', 'polished', the Cold Plum lacks specific categorizations, focusing more on its overall typing 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to its relatively stiffer plastic. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow Pro is more likely to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound absorption properties. In this aspect, the housing materials of the Cream Yellow Pro and the Cold Plum switches are similar, as they both contribute to the overall sound experience when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile that combines the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Cream Yellow Pro and the Cold Plum switches result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more defined sound when typing. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who enjoy a more subdued typing experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep sound profile for both switches, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a lighter touch, ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing similar results in terms of typing responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.3 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience, allowing for smooth and consistent keystrokes.
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 Cold Plum 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 V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its poppy, clacky sound, while the Cold Plum switches are famous for their thocky sound profile. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a vibrant auditory experience, while the Cold Plum provides a unique and satisfying typing sound. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a combination of gentle resistance, light actuation force, lively feedback, responsiveness, and smooth key travel for a comfortable and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Cold Plum switches is unknown.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches each offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with the former known for its satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, and the latter for its distinct thocky sound profile and nylon construction. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a fulfilling typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results despite the differences in their subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, a poppy clacky sound, and a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thocky sound profile, and a smooth keystroke with satisfying sound, the Cold Plum could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most - whether it be a vibrant auditory experience with easy-to-press and feathery switches, or a unique sound profile and fully nylon construction with bouncy and snappy switches. Choose wisely based on your preferences for your ideal typing experience.
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