Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Lime present two distinct experiences for tactile enthusiasts. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, providing an invigorating feedback with each keystroke, while its loud, bass-heavy sound signature adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. This switch is ideal for those who crave a more defined tactile sensation and enjoy the impactful sound that accompanies their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Lime offers a lighter, more nuanced experience, featuring approachable tactility and a silenced operation. Its featherlight feel makes it perfect for users who prefer a soft typing experience without sacrificing the pleasant feedback that a tactile switch provides. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you're looking for an exhilarating typing experience or a more subdued, gentle touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Lime, a notable distinction arises from the top housings of each switch. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is stiffer, allowing for a crisper auditory experience, especially beneficial for users who appreciate a more resonant sound. On the contrary, the Outemu Lime features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder. Therefore, when it comes to auditory performance, these two switches offer contrasting experiences based on their top housing materials.
In contrast, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. The bottom housing plays a critical role in influencing the overall feel and bottom-out sound of the switches. Given that nylon is utilized for both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Lime, their deeper and fuller sound profiles will be analogous when pressing down on the keys. This homogeny in bottom housing gives both switches a substantial and rounded tactile feedback. Thus, while the sound peaks differ due to the varied materials of the top housings, the experience while bottoming out remains consistent across both switches thanks to their shared nylon composition.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Lime yields a distinct auditory profile that showcases the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon. The V3's polycarbonate top housing enhances high-frequency sound characteristics ideal for RGB enthusiasts looking for an illuminating aesthetic experience. In contrast, the Lime's nylon top provides a softer auditory experience, prioritizing a full-bodied sound. The complementary nature of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that, regardless of the top materials, the tactile experience remains rich and satisfying. Thus, users can expect varied auditory outputs, yet experience similar tactile feedback that underscores both switches' engineering prowess.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press and suitable for long typing sessions without much fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Lime requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 35 grams, which provides a more substantial feel but may lead to increased finger fatigue over extended use. When it comes to bottom out forces, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Lime has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Akko switch not only requires less force to actuate but also feels heavier when fully pressed down. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort during extended periods may prefer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those desiring a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Outemu Lime.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Lime, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This slight difference reflects a preference for responsiveness in gaming, with the shorter V3 switch allowing for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer 3.3 mm travel distance of the Lime may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers, imbuing the keystroke with a greater sense of depth. Thus, if you prioritize quick response times, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the more suitable choice, whereas the Outemu Lime may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The Outemu Lime (V3) 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch stands out with its loud and bassier sound signature, making it a more prominent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This can add an engaging and satisfying presence to the overall experience, particularly for users who appreciate the sound of each keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Lime is more muted and neutral, producing a softer and quieter output. This aspect makes the Lime a suitable option for environments where noise reduction is a priority, offering a balanced sound profile that doesn’t intrude upon the surrounding atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a significant tactile bump, providing a marked distinction in actuation that many typists find invigorating. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, appealing to those who prefer a more dynamic key response. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime presents a much lighter typing experience with a milder tactile response. The Lime switch is designed for comfort, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers, which helps reduce fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Its smooth, polished feel further contributes to an overall user-friendly experience, making it an enticing option for casual users or those new to mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Outemu Lime tactile switches cater to different preferences, they each deliver valuable qualities that can enhance the mechanical keyboard experience. The Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who relish a louder, more tactile experience, whereas the Lime appeals to users seeking a softer, quieter, and lighter feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference, as both provide distinct tactile and auditory characteristics that can significantly influence the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Lime tactile switches primarily revolves around your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation and don't mind a louder sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and invigorating tactile bump, it delivers an engaging typing experience that can enhance your enjoyment, especially during gaming or when you want to feel each keypress distinctly. However, if you prefer a lighter, more subdued typing experience with a focus on quietness and comfort, the Outemu Lime is likely the better choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force, combined with a feathery feel and muted sound profile, makes it ideal for long typing sessions at work or in shared spaces where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences, so the decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or lightness and silence in your typing experience.
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