Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea stand out as popular options in the enthusiast community. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a budget-friendly choice that offers a unique combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth, creamy tactile feel. Ideal for those who prioritize both auditory feedback and a satisfying typing experience, these linear switches are described as 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer a tactile typing experience, but little is known about their specific characteristics. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile bump while typing, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea, it is evident that they both incorporate polycarbonate for the top housing. This means that users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile from both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of this plastic. On the other hand, the Milk Tea also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar sound profile with a duller and rounder tone.
Despite both switches having similar nylon bottom housings, the top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea bring distinctive qualities to their overall sound profiles. While the Cream Yellow Pro’s polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, the Milk Tea’s novel Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature. Therefore, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics. Additionally, the impact of each housing material on the switch's sound and feel varies, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea offer unique sound profiles thanks to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in the Cream Yellow Pro and the Ly top housing in the Milk Tea contribute to different sound signatures, providing users with options based on their preferences. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housings in both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cream Yellow Pro or the Milk Tea, the different housing materials will provide distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Milk Tea is unknown. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a bit more resistance when typing or gaming compared to the Milk Tea. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea, as it has a lower actuation force. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we find that the Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Milk Tea has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, ideal for those seeking faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a deeper key press experience, suiting those who prefer a more substantial feedback when typing. Both switches have their advantages, with the Cream Yellow Pro providing a quick and snappy feel, while the Milk Tea offers a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
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 Milk Tea 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 switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound of the Milk Tea switch is unknown. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is particularly noteworthy for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the feathery feel of these switches further enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Milk Tea switch's feel characteristics are unknown, so it's challenging to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch stands out for its satisfying auditory experience, smooth typing feel, and budget-friendly appeal. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not specified, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lively sound profile and comfortable keypresses, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a solid choice. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro if you value a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel. These switches are ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and gentle resistance during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with unavailable bottom out force and unknown sound and feel characteristics, the Milk Tea may not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
