Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown both stand out as compelling tactile options, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a robust typing experience complemented by a loud, bassy sound signature that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Its distinctive feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging feel during long sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is often recognized for its subtly balanced tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who seek a quieter experience without sacrificing the tactile sensation that defines mechanical switches. While the Crystal Brown may not have the same auditory impact as the Creamy Purple Pro, its versatility allows for a more discreet working environment without compromising on feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to similar auditory characteristics. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared feature enhances the overall sound clarity, making each keypress resonate more distinctly. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate in both switches is advantageous for RGB lighting effects, allowing for better light diffusion and vibrant visuals. Aesthetically, users will find that both switches exhibit a comparable visual appeal due to their clear plastic, which showcases the internal components attractively.

In contrast to their similar top housings, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Crystal Brown share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, imparting a deeper and fuller tonal quality to the typing experience. This makes the bottom-out sound more muted and rounded, effectively balancing the sharper sounds generated by the polycarbonate tops. The use of nylon in both switches allows for a cohesive mixing of sound profiles, where the high-pitched notes from the top housing interact harmoniously with the deeper tones from the nylon bottom, creating an enjoyable blend for typists and gamers alike.

When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of these materials leads to a distinctive signature for both switches, even if they are composed of different housings. With the polycarbonate top aiming for brightness and clarity, while the nylon bottom grounds the sound profile, users can expect a comprehensive auditory feedback that defines their interactions with either switch. Ultimately, while there are nuances in each switch's overall feel due to the differing top and bottom materials, the incorporation of similar materials ensures that both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Outemu Crystal Brown deliver satisfying and recognizable results in terms of sound and performance, catering to varying preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light feel that offers more resistance and a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Akko switch the lighter option and the Outemu switch the heavier choice. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while users seeking a firmer push might opt for the Crystal Brown. While both switches deliver tactile feedback, the difference in their actuation and bottom out forces can significantly impact user experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Crystal Brown offers a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer and more traditional. This difference highlights a divergence in user preferences; the shallower 3 mm travel of the V3 switch is likely to appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the deeper, 4 mm travel of the Crystal Brown might attract those who enjoy the more substantial feel of a traditional keypress. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor rapid actuation or a robust typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, providing a robust auditory feedback that can be quite enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic experience while typing. This loudness complements its tactile nature, making each keystroke feel more engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has no specific sound properties defined, which leaves a gap in comparison. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard it is used with and the type of keycaps, so while the Creamy Purple Pro might resonate strongly, the Crystal Brown could potentially offer a quieter typing experience but remains uncertain without specific information.

When evaluating the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a distinctly satisfying physical feedback that can enhance typing experience and precision. This enhanced tactile sensation is ideal for those who enjoy a switch that clearly signals the actuation point. Unfortunately, there’s no detailed description of the feel for the Outemu Crystal Brown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it can be assumed that as a tactile switch, it would offer a certain level of feedback, though specifics are lacking.

In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is celebrated for its loud, bassy sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Outemu Crystal Brown falls short in quantifiable attributes, at least in the provided information. If you seek a lively auditory and tactile experience, the Creamy Purple Pro is the clear choice. Meanwhile, the Crystal Brown's characteristics remain ambiguous, leaving potential users to explore further for personal suitability. Overall, for those who favor a distinctive and engaging typing experience, the Creamy Purple Pro is likely to be more satisfying, whereas the Crystal Brown's performance is yet to be illuminated.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a lighter actuation force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent choice. Its prominent tactile bump and bassy sound signature can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a more dynamic and expressive feedback as you type. On the other hand, if you want a more subdued tactile experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force that still maintains a comfortable feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown might be your go-to. Despite its more muted feedback, it offers reliability and a solid feel for everyday typing. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the light touch and engaging response of the Creamy Purple Pro or the balanced and slightly sturdier experience of the Crystal Brown—to make an informed decision tailored to your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more