Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, you may come across the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, and the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a budget-friendly option that provides a distinctive blend of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth operation, making them perfect for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience coupled with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism, offering a unique clicky switch option with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 is described as 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'polished', the Phoenix is categorized as 'crunchy' and 'polished'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Phoenix feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for those who enjoy RGB lighting as it allows for a vibrant display of colors. While both switches share this feature, they may differ in terms of how the polycarbonate material is integrated into the overall design of the switch.
In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate used in the top housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Phoenix feature polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and crisp sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we find that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the Phoenix has no specified actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, also falling in the medium range. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Phoenix, making it a potentially better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches offer similar actuation forces, so users can expect comparable results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience due to their similar travel distances. The shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm allows for quicker actuation and keypress registration, resulting in a more responsive typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience with their equal travel distances.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, while the Phoenix switch provides a crystalline and sparkling sound profile with a unique under-skirt click mechanism. Both switches have a polished feel, offering smooth and refined key travel for a sleek typing experience. In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a satisfying auditory experience, while the Phoenix switch features a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. For the feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, enhancing the typing experience with minimal force required. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch is polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and feel preferences. If you prefer a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice, while if you're looking for a unique crunchy sound profile with smooth key travel, the Outemu Phoenix switch would be the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are a fan of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique and sparkling clicky sound profile with a polished typing feel, opt for the Phoenix. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be based on sound, feel, or both.
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