Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue offer distinct experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a satisfying feedback that many typists crave. Alongside this tactile sensation, it boasts a loud sound profile characterized by a deeper, bassier tone, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback with their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is categorized as a clicky switch, known for its sharp, crisp clicks that provide a more traditional typewriter-like experience. This switch is particularly appealing for users who appreciate the distinctive sound and feel of a clicky response while typing. Both switches have their unique appeal–the Creamy Purple Pro for its tactile feedback and rich sound, and the Milk Blue for its classic, clicky experience. 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
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 Outemu Milk Blue switches share several similarities in their housing materials, making their acoustic profiles notably comparable. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the overall sound quality. The properties of polycarbonate—its stiffness and translucency—enable a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that resonates well, particularly beneficial for users who prioritize auditory feedback when typing. Given that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a similar sound profile that elevates RGB lighting due to the material's translucency.
On the other hand, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a contrast to the polycarbonate top. The nylon material is identified for its softer characteristics, allowing it to absorb sound instead of amplifying it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, making the typing experience more rounded. The combination of the sturdy polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom in both switches means that while users will experience clear responses from key presses and releases, they will also encounter a pleasant, subdued bottom-out sound that lends to a satisfying typing sensation.
Ultimately, because the housing materials for both switches are identical, users can anticipate a harmonious experience in terms of sound when using either option. The clear distinction between the roles of the top and bottom housings means that the final auditory experience will be the result of an interplay between both materials. The combination of stiffer polycarbonate on the top producing sharper sounds complemented by the deeper, subdued tones from nylon below creates a well-rounded and satisfying keyboard experience that enhances both performance and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces, which directly affect typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro requires an actuation force of only 30 grams, making it a lighter switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as less force is needed to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience, particularly beneficial for those who like to feel the feedback of their keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, which prevents a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, if you seek a lighter option that facilitates longer periods of use without fatigue, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Outemu Milk Blue caters to those who desire a heavier feel for enhanced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is 3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Blue switch. Shorter travel distances, like that of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, are increasingly favored by gamers for their quicker response times, allowing for more rapid key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Milk Blue switch may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the better choice, while the Outemu Milk Blue caters to users who appreciate a more traditional typing experience.
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 Milk 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 switch delivers a robust and loud auditory experience with a bassier pitch that adds a satisfying depth to every keystroke. This pronounced sound signature enhances the overall typing experience, especially for users who appreciate a more emphatic feedback loop when they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch does not have a specific sound quality noted, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it is essential to acknowledge that sound can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard configuration and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with a large and invigorating tactile bump that provides clear physical feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience. This tactile sensation promotes confident keystrokes, enhancing both accuracy and comfort during extended typing sessions. The feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is not detailed here, which limits our ability to make a direct comparison. Nevertheless, switches in the "clicky" category generally provide distinct tactile feedback and an audible click, which could align with the tactile nature of the Creamy Purple Pro.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by its loud, bassy sound and pronounced tactile bump, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue switch remain largely undefined in comparison. If you lean towards enjoying a bolder auditory and tactile experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the more appealing choice. For those seeking a clicky experience without further specific details on tactile feedback, the Milk Blue could also offer an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference will guide your selection, and both switches may provide satisfying results depending on your individual taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the kind of experience you desire while typing or gaming. If you prefer an invigorating tactile bump and a light actuation force of 50 grams, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a bassier sound profile that can enhance your typing experience with a satisfying feel. This switch is great for those who type frequently and favor a smooth yet tactile feedback without excessive strain on their fingers. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to the clicky sound signature and the distinct auditory feedback that enhances your keystrokes, the Milk Blue switch might be more suitable, provided you appreciate a more traditional clicky experience. Whether you prioritize tactile feedback for typing comfort or seek the nostalgic sound of clicky switches, understanding these nuances will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your preferences and needs.
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