Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is highly favored by budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It offers a pleasing combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience coupled with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch known for providing a satisfying click sound with each press. While the Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Dustproof Blue does not have specific categories associated with it. If you are looking for a smooth and tactile experience, the Cream Yellow Pro may be the way to go, while the Dustproof Blue offers a more traditional clicky feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Blue, we can see that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those looking to add RGB lighting to their keyboard setup. However, while they share this similarity in housing material, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience with its dampening effect on sound.
Despite the similarities in top housing material, the differences in bottom housing material between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Blue can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded typing experience. Both switches benefit from the sound absorption qualities of nylon, resulting in a duller sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. This difference highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Blue share a polycarbonate top housing material, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more well-rounded sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue provides a similar experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound and feel of a switch can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have similar actuation forces of 50 grams each, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key response. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Dustproof Blue's heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the Dustproof Blue will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressing the keys down. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Dustproof Blue for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue clicky switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. So, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Cream Yellow Pro would be the better option, while those looking for a more tactile feedback may lean towards the Dustproof Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Dustproof Blue 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
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth tactile feel that is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities make it a great option for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience paired with a smooth keypress feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in these aspects. However, both switches provide their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a vibrant sound and smooth feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a fantastic choice, while the Dustproof Blue switch may offer a different experience that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, you should go for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. These switches are ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, or polished typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Dustproof Blue if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a clicky sound. Remember, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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