Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea both present excellent options within the tactile switch category, each catering to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and a distinctively loud, bass-heavy sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy sensory feedback and a more engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea offers a softer, subtler tactile response, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feel. While both switches deliver smooth keystrokes and enhance the overall typing feel, their differing sound profiles and tactile characteristics can significantly impact user satisfaction. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
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 Milk Tea, some notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s rigidity allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Milk Tea employs a Ly top housing, which, while also producing a bright sound signature, emphasizes resonant clacks, offering a slightly different auditory profile. Although both materials aim to deliver an engaging typing experience, the polycarbonate housing of the Creamy Purple Pro leans towards clarity and crispness, while the Milk Tea’s Ly top housing focuses on the overall bright and resonant qualities.
Delving into the bottom housings, both switch types utilize nylon, an established choice in the realm of custom keyboard switches. The characteristics of nylon include a deeper, fuller sound profile, which arises from its softer nature that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. Given that both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Milk Tea share this nylon bottom housing, they are likely to produce a similar acoustic feedback when bottoming out. This commonality ensures that despite their differing top housings, users will experience a consistent depth and roundedness in sound, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea highlight how the interplay of materials can result in varied sonic experiences. While the V3 boasts a polycarbonate top that offers fresher, crisper notes, the Milk Tea enhances the typing sensation with its Ly top, reliant on resonant clacks. Nevertheless, both switches maintain a unified depth in sound due to their shared nylon bottoms, showcasing that the harmonious blending of materials can yield a satisfying typing experience. Users can thus expect a blend of distinct qualities in sound and feel, shaped by the combination of these unique housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, while the Milk Tea switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel preferred by users who favor a stronger keypress. As for the bottom out forces, the V3 switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is currently unknown. This means that while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter overall, the lack of data for the Milk Tea switch's bottom out force leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall key feel. Those looking for a lighter switch for long typing periods would favor the V3, while users who appreciate a firmer press may prefer the Milk Tea switch despite the missing information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm, signifying a more traditional and deeper actuation. This variance means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro could better suit your needs due to its shallower travel. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke that provides a hearty depth for typing, the Outemu Milk Tea is the preferable choice. Thus, while both switches offer unique tactile experiences, their differing travel distances cater to different user preferences in keyboard feel and feedback.
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 Tea 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 tactile switch is recognized for its loud sound signature, characterized by a bassier pitch that adds a robust auditory element to your typing experience. This pronounced sound can make each keystroke feel more satisfying and assertive. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks a well-defined sound profile, leaving its acoustic qualities largely unspecified. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound can also be heavily influenced by the keyboard you pair it with and the choice of keycaps, so even switches without a noted sound may perform differently in actual use.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is distinguished by a substantial and invigorating tactile bump, providing a clear and satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and contribute to a more engaging experience. The tactile qualities of the Milk Tea switch are not fully described, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare.
Overall, if you are seeking a unique tactile experience and a loud, bassy sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would certainly cater to those preferences. The Outemu Milk Tea, while lacking a specified sound profile and tactile feedback details, may still offer a decent typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in switch selection, so it's advisable to test each switch yourself if possible. In scenarios where quality comparisons cannot be made, both options can yield satisfying results depending on your individual typing style and keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump that provides clear feedback with each keystroke, and you prefer a louder typing experience, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the ideal option for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for those who favor a smooth and effortless typing feel without sacrificing the tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, perhaps for an office setting or shared workspace, you'll want to consider the Milk Tea switch, which is designed to minimize noise while still maintaining a pleasant tactile feel. While the specific characteristics of the Milk Tea are not provided, it could appeal to users who prioritize subtlety over an impactful sound profile. Ultimately, both switches have their unique attributes, so reflect on your typing style and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.