Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored for its budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean remains silent, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Silent Ocean doesn't fall under any specific categorization. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Ocean, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Although they share this similarity, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing.
The use of different materials for the bottom housing sets the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Ocean apart in terms of sound profile and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro adds a softness that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Ocean maintains a crisper and sharper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience on a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a more distinct and resonant sound profile. These differences underscore the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance and feel of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we see that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams, whereas the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean the heavier of the two switches. The Cream Yellow Pro offers a more balanced force distribution between actuation and bottom out, while the Silent Ocean leans towards a heavier typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Cream Yellow Pro, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Ocean for a heavier force. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, ensuring users will get similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Ocean 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, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial keystroke depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired 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 Silent Ocean 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 offers a satisfying poppy, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch provides a quieter typing experience with its silent operation. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as having an easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This results in a comfortable and responsive typing experience, perfect for reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Outemu Silent Ocean switch's feel is unknown, but given its name, it likely prioritizes silent operation over tactile feedback.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Outemu Silent Ocean switches offer distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The Akko switch provides a lively sound and a smooth tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu switch focuses on quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience. Happy typing!
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