Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its invigorating tactile bump and a louder, bassier sound signature, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a responsive and expressive keystroke. With its polished and bouncy feel, this switch caters to those who thrive on auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quieter yet highly tactile experience, featuring a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke that is ideal for those who want to type or game in a more subdued environment. With a muted and thocky sound profile, it ensures minimal noise disruption, appealing to both office workers and night owls alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize this material, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous for users looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience. This similarity means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a comparable sound output when engaging the keys, especially when releasing them, as the polycarbonate housing will amplify the clearer sound characteristics associated with this material.
In contrast, the bottom housing for both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Silent Grey is crafted from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound effectively. Nylon's softer properties lead to a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a more muted auditory feedback during keystrokes. Because both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, they share this characteristic, ensuring that users will experience a rounded and subdued sound when the keys are bottomed out. This consistent use of nylon promotes a harmonious balance of audio feedback across the typing experience.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom sections, the result is a cohesive auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housings contribute to a sharper release sound, while the nylon bottoms help to ground that sound with a fuller depth. For users, this means they can achieve a balanced audio profile that is both crisp and rich, regardless of which switch they choose. The synergy created by these materials enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for clarity during key release and warmth upon actuation.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists appreciate for its feedback. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is geared towards those who favor a lighter switch, while the Silent Grey is better suited for individuals who prefer a medium-heavy force, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, these distinctions allow users to choose a switch that aligns with their typing style and comfort preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel can facilitate faster keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Grey's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, likely preferred by those who enjoy the deeper, more robust feedback when typing or gaming. In summary, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice; however, for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey is advantageous.
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 Silent Grey 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 it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with a loud auditory presence characterized by a bassy pitch, delivering a more pronounced sound signature that can be quite invigorating in a mechanical typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a much quieter experience, featuring a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical clatter associated with mechanical switches. It possesses a thocky quality, producing a deeper, richer sound that is less intrusive, making it suitable for quieter settings. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels in generating an engaging auditory experience, the Silent Grey provides a more subdued yet satisfying acoustic atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro showcases a polished and bouncy typing experience, characterized by a springy feedback that offers a lively and invigorating sensation with each keypress. The tactile bump is accentuated, creating an immersive feel that balances between pronounced feedback and smooth keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Grey excels with its sharp tactile response, providing a strong sensation that is distinctly felt with each keystroke. While both switches deliver tactile feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro leans towards a more dynamic and elastic sensation, whereas the Silent Grey emphasizes an intense yet smooth tactile encounter.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Outemu Silent Grey offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro's robust sound and invigorating feel cater to those who desire an engaging typing experience, while the Silent Grey's muted auditory profile and sharp tactile feedback serve those who prefer a quieter yet still satisfying option. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound and a lively typing sensation or a stealthy and refined tactile experience, as both types can yield enjoyable results depending on your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches should align with your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be ideal for you. This switch is especially well-suited for those who appreciate a lively and invigorating typing sensation, coupled with its bass-heavy sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued and quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey is the switch for you. With a medium-heavy actuation force and a pronounced yet muted tactile bump, it delivers a refined and smooth feel while minimizing noise, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value sound and tactility more explosively or if you prefer a calmer, yet still satisfying feel, ensuring that your keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your personal style and environment.
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