Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump and a sound profile that leans toward a bass-heavy, loud signature, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more engaging and audible typing experience. This tactile switch can make typing feel rewarding and provide satisfying feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches shine with their smooth keystroke and thocky sound, thanks to their fully nylon construction. For keyboard enthusiasts seeking a quieter yet equally enjoyable typing experience, the Cold Plum's linear nature offers a fluidity that many find appealing. While both switches have their unique advantages—one leaning towards tactile feedback and a loud signature, while the other focuses on smoothness and subtlety—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisper auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, allowing it to shine through more vibrantly. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. This fundamental difference in materials and sound properties signifies that users may prefer one switch over the other depending on their individual typing preferences and sound profiles.
Despite the disparity in top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon for both models. This gives both switches a similar acoustic foundation when it comes to the bottoming out of keys. Each switch's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile and impacts the tactile feel of keystrokes. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, its characteristics are consistent in both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cold Plum, resulting in a fulfilling sound and tactile feedback when users press down on the keys. Therefore, while the top housings differ significantly, the shared nylon material in the bottoms means that both switches will provide a comparable bottoming-out experience.
In conclusion, those seeking the sharper and crisper sounds associated with polycarbonate will likely prefer the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while users who enjoy a more rounded and deep acoustic profile may gravitate towards the Outemu Cold Plum. However, the presence of nylon in the bottom housings for both switches ensures that users will experience a satisfying and rich sound profile when bottoming out. This combination of materials allows for varying auditory experiences throughout the actuation of the switches, inspiring users to explore the unique qualities each type brings to their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lightweight actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches require a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. As a result, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter and more forgiving on the fingers, ideal for users who favor quick and easy keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Cold Plum offers a firmer resistance, appealing to individuals who appreciate the tactile feedback of a stronger push. Overall, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Cold Plum measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times due to its more shallow travel distance. Conversely, the Cold Plum's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper feel, which may be more satisfying for those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Consequently, if you're looking for increased responsiveness, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, but if you favor a more hearty depth with each keystroke, the Cold Plum would be preferable.
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 Cold Plum 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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches produce a loud auditory experience characterized by a bass-heavy pitch, making them quite pronounced when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver a thocky sound profile, which is also satisfying but tends to be more refined due to the switch's fully nylon construction. While both switches offer an engaging sound experience, the Creamy Purple Pro's sound is more resonant and bold, while Cold Plum’s sound leans towards a smoother, more subdued tone. It's important to note that factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material can further influence the realized sound of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a prominent tactile bump that provides a clear feedback during key presses, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are designed for smooth keystrokes, delivering a linear feel without tactile feedback. While the Creamy Purple Pro creates a noticeable interruption in the keypress, giving a defined sensation, the Cold Plum offers uninterrupted and fluid key travel, appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more gliding experience.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The Creamy Purple Pro excels with its significant tactile feedback and pronounced sound, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more engaging and auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum focuses on a smooth, thocky characteristic, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer linear feedback with a quiet yet enjoyable sound. Both switches are capable of delivering unique sensations, making your choice dependent on whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother, linear feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a pronounced tactile bump and don’t mind a louder typing sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely your best bet. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it easy to press, ideal for long typing sessions, while its bassier sound can enhance the feedback of your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier, more deliberate keystroke with a satisfying thocky sound, the Outemu Cold Plum is a fantastic option. With a 70-gram actuation force, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel which can provide a more grounded typing experience. Additionally, if you favor a smooth linear response without tactile feedback, the Cold Plum is designed for that, making it a suitable choice for both gaming and typing without distractions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable keyboard experience.
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