Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch offers a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent option for typists who appreciate a more engaged feel and enjoy a louder, bassier sound signature. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch caters to those who prefer a smoother, linear response, delivering quiet keystrokes ideal for gamers and professionals seeking an uninterrupted typing experience. While the Creamy Purple Pro's distinctive auditory feedback can enhance a tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Red provides a sleek and efficient option for faster key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Dustproof Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer resonance that is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the translucent material effectively diffuses the illumination while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Since they share this material in the upper housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing or gaming, marked by clarity and vibrancy in the sounds produced by each switch.
In contrast, both switches deploy nylon for their bottom housing, which brings a distinctly different acoustic characteristic to the table. Nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributable to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound more than its polycarbonate counterpart. While the top housing in each switch enhances the sharper notes, it is the nylon bottom housing that modulates the overall sound experience by adding depth and warmth during key presses. Thus, while the upper and lower housings utilize different materials, the contrasts in sound produced by the softer nylon and harder polycarbonate offers an engaging balance, allowing users to experience both clarity and warmth.
Ultimately, though both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Dustproof Red sport identical top and bottom housing materials, their combined effects yield a well-rounded typing experience where both sound clarity and depth play integral roles. When pressed, users will feel the nylon's softness, which enriches bottom-out acoustics, while the polycarbonate top allows for the high notes to shine upon release. The careful combination of these materials ensures that both switches maintain similar qualities while providing a distinctive yet complementary typing sound that captures the rich nuances of mechanical keyboard aesthetics and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may favor for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Dustproof Red is the heavier one, catering to different preferences in force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter switch, while the Dustproof Red measures 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper keypress. This difference means that gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Akko switch for its shallower travel, leading to quicker actuation. Conversely, users who enjoy a more substantial feel and tactile feedback may opt for the Outemu switch, appreciating its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the more responsive option, whereas the Dustproof Red provides a richer depth for those who prefer it.
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 Dustproof Red 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 is characterized by a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, making it a prominent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This switch is designed to produce a rich, booming sound that can resonate through a room, appealing to users who appreciate a heightened acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, but it is generally understood that linear switches like the Dustproof Red tend to be quieter and produce a smoother sound when compared to tactile or clicky switches. However, it is important to note that the actual sound experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a pronounced tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback during each keystroke. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and adds a palpable sense of engagement, making it a great choice for typists and gamers alike who enjoy feeling each key actuation. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Red, being a linear switch, is smooth throughout the keypress with no tactile bump or click, allowing for fluid keystrokes and a quieter experience. This makes the Dustproof Red more suited for those who prefer a minimalist touch without the interruptions of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a loud, bass-heavy sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro will suit your preferences well. Alternatively, the Outemu Dustproof Red provides a distinctly different experience with its smooth action and quieter profile, ideal for users looking for a seamless and understated typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile sensations and sound or prefer the smoothness and quietness of a linear switch. Both options offer unique experiences that cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option if you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying bump and a deeper, bass-heavy sound signature that can enhance your typing experience, particularly for those who love to feel their keystrokes while enjoying an audible click. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams also makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter keystroke, the medium force of the Outemu Dustproof Red, with its linear design, will provide a consistent and unobtrusive experience, allowing for faster, uninterrupted typing without any tactile feedback or noise to distract you. The Dustproof Red's slightly higher force at 60 grams means that it may require a bit more pressure, which can be beneficial if you are concerned about accidental key presses. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your personal typing style, whether you lean toward tactile satisfaction and auditory feedback or a smooth, linear motion that supports rapid action.
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