Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Red offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and offer a more engaging feel, especially for typists who appreciate tactile sensations. Additionally, its bass-heavy sound profile adds an audibly satisfying element to typing sessions, making it a great choice for those who want both performance and an auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch is a linear option that boasts a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers who require rapid key presses and quick response times. This switch's quieter operation is also a benefit in shared environments or for late-night gaming sessions. Each switch has its own appeal depending on the user’s typing style and preferences; 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their shared sound characteristics. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. Given that both switches utilize this material in their top housing, users can expect a similar resonance and clarity, especially when using RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to diffuse beautifully, making it an ideal choice for RGB backlit keyboards where aesthetics play a significant role.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Red employ nylon. This material is known for its softer composition, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The absorption qualities of nylon create a muted, rounded sound that stands in contrast to the sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing. As a result, even though both switches utilize the same materials in their respective housings, the combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom delivers a balanced sound experience. When typing on either switch, users will notice the impact of the nylon bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, which further enriches the overall typing experience.
While the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Red offer distinct material differences in their bottom housing, their top housings align in utilizing polycarbonate. This similarity fosters a comparable auditory profile during key release, allowing for a uniform experience despite the variance in bottom materials. Ultimately, if users prioritize a consistent typing sound with both sharp and rounded characteristics, both switches deliver effective performance by capitalizing on the strengths of their respective materials. This dynamic interplay between the harder polycarbonate and the softer nylon is what makes each switch unique while also ensuring a consistent baseline for sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal important characteristics for typists and gamers. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is notably lighter, featuring an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch requires a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more robust and substantial typing feel. This weight difference means that users looking for a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those favoring more resistance and tactile feedback would benefit from the Outemu Red. Ultimately, if ease of keystroke is paramount, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's lighter touch will provide a more comfortable experience, whereas the Outemu Red's heavier force can enhance control and precision for users who appreciate a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, which is considered shallow and aligns with the modern trend favoring quicker response times. In contrast, the Outemu Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, representing a more traditional, deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying. For gamers seeking that rapid actuation, the shorter 3 mm travel of the Akko switch allows for faster gameplay, while those who prefer a more pronounced keypress might gravitate towards the Outemu Red for its deeper travel. Consequently, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has the shorter travel distance, making it ideal for responsiveness, whereas the Outemu Red offers a longer distance that can provide a more substantial 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 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
When considering sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch distinctly offers a loud sound signature, characterized by a bassier pitch that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This can be invigorating, especially for those who appreciate an audible response to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed; however, linear switches are typically quieter than tactile or clicky options. Therefore, if sound is a primary concern, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would deliver a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the Outemu Red would provide a more subdued experience.
Regarding feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with its large and invigorating tactile bump, which offers a distinctive feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment, as it provides a clear indication of actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch provides a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback. The linear nature of this switch appeals to users who prefer uninterrupted travel, making it easier to execute rapid keypresses without any tactile interference. This allows for a different type of satisfaction, focusing more on speed and fluidity rather than feedback.
In summary, if you're looking for a switch that delivers both a satisfying tactile bump and a loud sound signature, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the superior choice. It creates an engaging typing experience with its feedback and sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red, while lacking distinctive characteristics in sound or feel, caters to those who favor a smooth, quiet response, ideal for rapid typing or gaming without any distractions. Your choice ultimately depends on your preference for tactile feedback versus a smooth, linear experience; each switch provides a unique typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches and Outemu Red linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a noticeable tactile bump and engage in tasks that benefit from feedback, such as typing or gaming that requires precise keystrokes, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it easier to press, while the pronounced tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying feeling with each keystroke. However, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keypress experience—perhaps for gaming where speed is key—the Outemu Red linear switch, with its higher actuation force of 62 grams, might be more suitable. The linear design allows for rapid successive key presses without the added distractions of tactility or noise, providing a more consistent feel throughout your usage. Therefore, consider your primary activities and the environment—whether you enjoy rich tactile feedback or seek a quiet, linear experience—to make the best choice between these two switches.
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