Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Purple offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying, bass-heavy sound profile that can enhance the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a strong tactile sensation. In contrast, the Outemu Purple, while also a tactile switch, does not have the same defining characteristics as the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, making it a more subtle choice for users who prefer less noise and a less pronounced tactile feel. While each switch has its own strengths, prioritizing factors such as sound, tactile feedback, and typing experience will help you make a decision. 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
2.00 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 Purple switches both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a similar auditory experience. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material’s stiffness. This characteristic of polycarbonate allows for clear and resonant acoustics, making it a preferred choice for switches intended for RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. Consequently, users can expect their keystrokes to resonate vividly, creating an engaging typing experience when utilizing either switch.
In contrast, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Purple switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that rounds out the auditory experience. This combination means that while both switches share the crispness derived from their polycarbonate tops, they complement this with the warmth and depth provided by their nylon bottoms. The collaboration between the two materials allows both switches to offer diverse auditory feedback, making them appealing to different typing preferences while maintaining similar overarching characteristics.
Ultimately, despite the subtle differences in the balance of sound profiles, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Purple switches are likely to yield comparable results in terms of sound and feel. The effects of the polycarbonate top housing will be most pronounced during key release, providing that sharpness characteristic of both switches, while the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a fuller sound and feel when the keys are pressed down. For users seeking a harmonious typing experience, both switches deliver a satisfying blend of clarity and richness that enhances their overall performance in different scenarios.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer easier key presses for longer typing sessions or intensive gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who seek a more substantial and tactile feedback in their typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is currently unknown, which prevents direct comparison in that regard. While the Akko switch is categorized as lighter overall due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, the Outemu Purple is designed for users who appreciate a firmer push, potentially leading to a more satisfying tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, a clear difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, which is notably shorter than the Outemu Purple's 4 mm travel distance. This means that if you prefer a more responsive switch for gaming or fast-paced tasks, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro may better suit your needs due to its shallower depth, enabling quicker actuation. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced feel and depth while typing or gaming, the Outemu Purple's longer 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. This distinction offers users the choice between quicker responsiveness and a more pronounced actuation, thereby catering to different preferences in typing and gaming style.
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 Purple 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 characterized by a loud sound signature that leans towards the bassier side, creating a presence that can be quite invigorating while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, which means that its acoustic performance is less defined. This indicates that while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro clearly has a more pronounced sound, the Outemu Purple may vary based on the keyboard setup, leaving the exact auditory experience less predictable.
Regarding feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its large and invigorating tactile bump, delivering a satisfying feedback that enhances the typing experience. The Outemu Purple, without any detailed description of its feel, leaves room for interpretation; it may not provide the same level of tactile feedback as the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. If tactile responsiveness is a priority for the user, the Creamy Purple Pro would likely offer a more pronounced sensation compared to the Outemu Purple.
Taking into account the information available, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro clearly stands out with its loud, bassy sound and significant tactile bump, making it an engaging choice for those who appreciate pronounced feedback and auditory stimulation. In contrast, the Outemu Purple may offer a more subdued or varied experience, particularly in terms of sound and feel, which could lead to a less defined typing experience. Ultimately, those who enjoy tactile switches with distinct audio and tactile characteristics will likely find the Creamy Purple Pro to be a more rewarding option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Purple tactile switches, your choice should primarily depend on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and actuation force. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a more audible typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the clear choice; its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions and can reduce fatigue. Moreover, its bassier sound profile will appeal to those who appreciate more depth in auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more understated experience without demanding specific characteristics, you might consider the Outemu Purple, although its specific qualities weren't provided. Ultimately, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for typists who crave tactile satisfaction and auditory engagement, while the choice of the Outemu Purple may be left for those who prioritize different switch characteristics or are open to exploring what a less distinctly defined tactile switch has to offer.
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