Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy an auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch offers a tactile bump without the audible click, providing a more muted typing experience. While the Akko switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Outemu switch lacks specific categorizations. 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
60g
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
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the softer nylon material in the Cream Yellow switch absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both types of materials have their unique qualities, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Outemu Cream Yellow opt for nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the difference in top housings, the similar choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Cream Yellow ultimately boils down to the preference in sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon material in the Outemu Cream Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound. With both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a brighter sound profile or a mellower one, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, requiring 5 grams more at 50 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may provide a slightly stronger push feel when initially pressing a key, both switches will feel the same once fully pressed down. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out despite the slight variance in actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired actuation force for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from top to bottom. As a result, users can expect consistent performance in terms of key travel whether they choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the Outemu Cream Yellow switch. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, providing a familiar feel regardless of the choice between the two.
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 Cream Yellow 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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is praised for its distinct sound profile, offering a poppy and clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities offer a smooth and low-impact typing experience, ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in this area.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch stands out for its budget-friendly price, vibrant sound, and smooth feel, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable typing experience. The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, while lacking specific information on sound and feel, may offer similar results to the Akko switch depending on personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget constraints.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a decent smoothness, ideal for those who favor a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel, then the Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a specific tactile feel, such as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, or polished, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or budget constraints.
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