Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver, some key differences and similarities stand out. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its budget-friendly option catering to enthusiasts looking for a poppy, clacky sound paired with smoothness for a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, ideal for gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a more tactile and vibrant auditory experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a quicker and more subtle typing experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it an excellent choice for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Outemu Yellow Silver also employs polycarbonate for its top housing, indicating that both switches will provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the Outemu Yellow Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the qualities that nylon brings to the bottom housing, creating a tactile and satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper and rounder sound.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver are the same, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, while the Outemu Yellow Silver also features a nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar sound profile and typing experience from both switches, with the bottom housing material affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, compared to the Yellow Silver which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required for both actuation and bottoming out. However, both switches offer a smooth linear keystroke without any tactile bump, making them ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro makes it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your 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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that delivers a vibrant auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch provides a neutral sound profile, catering to users who prefer a more subtle and understated typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on whether you prefer a more lively sound (Akko) or a quieter typing experience (Outemu).
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall typing comfort. However, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is unknown. This could potentially mean that the Outemu switch may not offer the same level of typing comfort and responsiveness as the Akko switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch stands out for its vibrant sound profile and smooth typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize both auditory and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a more understated typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, and depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you are a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for a combination of satisfying sound and smooth feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness with a light actuation force, the Outemu Yellow Silver might be more suited for gamers and typists. Consider your typing style, preferred sound profile, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best fits your needs and typing experience.
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