Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Blue offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with each keypress, while also delivering a robust sound profile that leans toward the bassier side, making it an enticing option for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch known for its sharp, audible feedback that resonates with typists who appreciate the tactility of each keystroke, adding an extra layer of satisfaction during typing sessions. While the Creamy Purple Pro might appeal to users looking for a rich tactile feel combined with a quality sound, the Outemu Blue is perfect for those who thrive on a definitive click that punctuates their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a decision that leads to notably similar auditory qualities. The polycarbonate material is inherently stiffer, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound when typing, which is ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback from their switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making both switches attractive visually when used in illuminated setups. This alignment in top housing materials indicates that users can expect a consistent sound experience regardless of whether they choose the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the Outemu Blue.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which brings a distinctly different sound quality into the mix. Nylon is known for its softer properties that absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom means that both switches will elicit a unique sound profile that balances the clearer top-end sound with a rounder, richer bottom-end sound. When a key is pressed down, the nylon bottom housing will be responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a harmonious contrast to the brighter tones produced by the top housing. Users can thus expect a fusion of both highs and lows in their typing experience, although the specifics of this experience may vary with each switch.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Blue share similarities in their top housing material, the combination with nylon bottoms results in a nuanced performance that takes advantage of the strengths of both materials. The uniformity in their polycarbonate top housings ensures that users will experience a sharp and resonant sound across both switches, while the difference in textures brought by the nylon bottoms provides that fuller sound profile. Thus, regardless of the choice between these two switches, users are likely to be satisfied with the auditory feedback and tactile feel, although each switch will offer a slightly different balance of auditory characteristics due to the interaction of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams but an unspecified bottom out force, we see a significant distinction in their tactile characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter and requires less force to both actuate and bottom out compared to the Outemu Blue, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue, with its higher actuation force, offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer keypress. While the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unknown, the difference in actuation forces highlights the varied preferences between users who enjoy lighter switches versus those who prefer something heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more shallow option suited for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Outemu Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and often preferred by users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile sensation while typing. Therefore, if you lean towards a quicker actuation and less depth, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a hearty feel would likely favor the Outemu Blue switch.
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 Blue 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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a loud sound signature, characterized by a bassier pitch that gives it a deeper resonance when pressed. This auditory profile enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing, making it a satisfying choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is also known for its loud, clicky sound, typical of blue switches, which offers sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound generated by both switches contributes significantly to the overall typing experience, with both options likely delivering a gratifying auditory environment, though the V3 Creamy Purple Pro leans more towards bass tones.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Experience with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is defined by a notable tactile bump, which provides a clear indication of actuation, allowing typists to enjoy a satisfying feedback loop while typing. This tactile response is particularly appealing for users who prefer a distinctly noticeable engagement on each press. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue has a similar tactile feel, offering a pronounced click alongside a tactile bump, delivering that classic feel favored by many traditional mechanical keyboard users. Both switches excel in providing a tactile feedback experience that caters to enthusiasts who prioritize physical response from their typing instruments.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Blue offer distinct yet satisfying auditory and tactile experiences, making them excellent choices depending on user preference for sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro brings a bassier sound and invigorating tactile bump, while the Outemu Blue is recognized for its sharp click and tactile feedback. If you're drawn to the characteristics of either switch, both are likely to meet the needs of users who appreciate sound and tactile engagement in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a lighter touch and appreciate an invigorating tactile bump that offers a noticeable feedback with each keystroke, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be a fantastic choice. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you desire comfort without strain. Furthermore, the sound signature of the V3 is bassier and very satisfying, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile sensations along with an engaging auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more traditional typing experience characterized by sharp, audible feedback, the Outemu Blue switch may be more appealing. While the exact bottom-out force is unspecified, Blue switches are typically known for their heavier actuation force, making them preferable for users who appreciate a more deliberate typing feel. Although the specific details concerning its sound and feel were not provided, Blue switches are widely recognized for their distinct clicky sound, which can enhance your typing experience, making it feel more rewarding. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you value smoothness and tactile nuance or a pronounced clicky response.
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