Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Cream Blue present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a responsive and engaging experience. Additionally, its loud sound signature, characterized by a deeper pitch, adds an extra layer of auditory enjoyment for those who appreciate a clicky environment. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switches are designed for enthusiasts who cherish the iconic clicky feedback associated with traditional mechanical keyboards. While they may not emphasize the tactile bump to the same extent, their sharp and crisp click sound can enhance the typing experience for users who thrive on auditory cues. Ultimately, each switch caters to specific preferences: the Creamy Purple Pro for those who seek tactile responsiveness and a lower bassy tone, and the Cream Blue for those who enjoy a louder and more pronounced click. 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
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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 Cream Blue, there are notable distinctions in the composition and sound characteristics of the top housings. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the switch's auditory profile, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiff properties, which amplify the clarity of the sound, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective diffusion of RGB lighting, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual aspect that enhances the overall user experience.
In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a noticeably different sound profile—one that is deeper and fuller. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound and therefore leads to a rounder acoustic experience. This is in line with the classic characteristics of nylon switch housings, which many typists appreciate for their muffled sounds. While the V3's top housing caters to those who seek clarity and brightness, the Cream Blue's nylon top suits individuals who prefer a more subdued acoustic environment. Thus, the choice of housing material greatly influences the typing experience and can cater to diverse user preferences.
Despite the differences in the top housings, the bottom housings of both switches provide similar characteristics. Both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cream Blue utilize nylon for their bottom housings, producing the same deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's inherent absorption qualities. This commonality means that regardless of the top housing, both switches will deliver a consistent bottom-out feel. Consequently, while users may experience different sound profiles from the top, the overall typing experience remains cohesive at the bottom level. Ultimately, these differences in top housing materials, paired with similar bottom housings, offer users distinct auditory experiences tailored to their individual typing preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference in weight is noteworthy; the lighter V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to initiate each keystroke. In contrast, the Cream Blue's medium-heavy forces provide a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who favor a firmer push. Overall, users can expect a distinct tactile feel and feedback from each switch; with the Akko V3 being easier on the fingers during prolonged use, while the Outemu Cream Blue provides a stronger, more deliberate keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive feel with quicker actions. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's longer 4 mm travel distance caters to those who enjoy a more traditional, deeper keystroke, allowing for a more tactile typing experience. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro can provide faster response times, some users may find the abruptness of the shorter travel distance less satisfying compared to the more substantial feel of the Cream Blue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Cream 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a pronounced auditory experience characterized by a loud sound signature with a deeper, bassier pitch. This booming quality can give a satisfying audio feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch does not have a noted sound profile available, making it challenging to compare directly. However, clicky switches are generally known for their distinct and sharp sound, which could provide an enticing auditory feedback in its own right, but specifics on the Cream Blue's sound remain unknown.
When considering the feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its robust tactile bump that provides a significant and invigorating feedback with each keystroke, enriching the typing experience. This tactile feedback can enhance both typing accuracy and enjoyment. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue switch is not explicitly characterized in the information provided. However, clicky switches typically offer a more abrupt tactile response that can also contribute to a lively typing experience, though the specific nuances of the Cream Blue have not been detailed.
Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its notable tactile bump and bass-heavy sound, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback mechanism. Meanwhile, while the auditory qualities of the Outemu Cream Blue are unspecified, the clicky nature it likely possesses may attract those who prefer a different tactile sensation. For someone new to mechanical keyboards, these differences in sound and feel can significantly influence the overall typing experience, leading to a choice based on individual preferences for tactile feedback and auditory gratification.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile bump that is both substantial and satisfying while enjoying a lighter actuation force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be a great fit for you. Its tactile feedback is designed to provide an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming, especially if you favor a quieter yet impactful sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky feel, appreciate a firmer keypress, and don't mind a louder auditory feedback, the Cream Blue switch is well-suited for your needs. Its medium-heavy resistance can provide a more deliberate typing experience, often appreciated by those who prefer traditional mechanical key feel. Overall, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.