Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics for users to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its budget-friendly appeal, providing a satisfying combination of a poppy sound and smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, ideal for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Outemu Silent Yellow does not have any standout features listed. 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
2.20 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
The main difference between the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches lies in their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when the keys are pressed. This difference in material between the top and bottom housings results in a combination of qualities when typing on these switches. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches have similar housing materials, the way in which these materials are utilized in their top and bottom housings results in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall sound profile. The combination of these materials in different parts of the switches creates a unique typing feel that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow requires a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. These differences in force exertion result in a more responsive and lighter typing experience with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a more substantial and forceful typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a heavier actuation and bottom out force for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with lighter forces providing a smoother typing experience and heavier forces offering a more robust and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 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 Outemu Silent Yellow provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, so deciding between the two would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and keypress depth.
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 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are known for their poppy, clacky sound, which adds a vibrant auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switches have a quiet operation, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are praised for their easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience. These switches also offer a feathery feel, being exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, they are described as bouncy and snappy, providing a lively feedback sensation and enhanced responsiveness. The Silent Yellow switches, while their feel is unknown, are likely to offer a similar smoothness and responsiveness due to their silent operation.
Considering the overall information, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer a satisfying combination of poppy sound, creamy tactile feel, easy-to-press nature, and bouncy feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches provide a quiet typing experience, perfect for those in shared spaces or who prefer a more subtle sound profile. Whether you opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the Silent Yellow switches, both options are likely to deliver a smooth and responsive typing experience, tailored to individual preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience or a quieter operation in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for bottom out force and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, tactile typing experience with a poppy sound, then the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, then the Outemu Silent Yellow switch would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when selecting between these two switches to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
