Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Brown represent two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright, chirpy sound signature, thanks in part to its fully polycarbonate construction. This combination of features makes it ideal for users who prioritize speed and a clean, satisfying keystroke feel, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches offer a tactile experience, providing a subtle bump on actuation that many find satisfying for typing and programming tasks. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and is often favored by those who appreciate a more traditional keyboard feel. As you weigh these options, consider your specific needs, whether you value a smooth, fast response or a tactile indicator for your keystrokes. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which directly influences their acoustic characteristics. The primary function of polycarbonate in the top housing is to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. This rigidity allows the switch to resonate more clearly, producing a more defined audio output when a key is pressed. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups featuring RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to showcase vibrant backlighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches presents a notable difference in material choice. While the V3 Crystal Pro also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Outemu Dustproof Brown opts for nylon instead. This choice results in a distinct auditory experience: nylon’s inherent softness allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile, which absorbs more sound and creates a softer acoustic response. As a result, the Dustproof Brown's bottom housing lends a duller and rounder sound compared to its counterpart. Thus, while the top housings of both switches deliver clarity and brightness, their bottom housings diverge in sound characteristics, shaping the overall sound experience when typing.
When pressed, the qualities of each housing material impact the switch's performance differently. The V3 Crystal Pro, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will have a consistent sharpness throughout both the actuation and bottom-out sound experiences. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown's combination of soft nylon on the bottom yields a fuller sensation on bottoming out while still maintaining the crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This interplay means that although they might share similar audio profiles in the upper registers due to the commonality of polycarbonate in the top housing, the overall sound experience—and the tactile feedback—will vary significantly when utilizing the switches in practice.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence the typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro has an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Dustproof Brown is slightly lighter at 45 grams, making the Outemu switch easier to trigger. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Crystal Pro requires 60 grams to fully depress, compared to the 65 grams needed for the Dustproof Brown, categorizing the latter as medium-heavy. This means that while the Akko switch may allow for less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions due to its lighter actuation force, the heavier bottom out force of the Dustproof Brown provides a more substantial feel upon keypress completion. This makes the Akko V3 Crystal Pro the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown caters to users who appreciate a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users of the V3 Crystal Pro will experience a shorter keypress, which could lead to faster response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prefer the swift feedback of shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown, with its 4 mm travel distance, may appeal more to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a tactile experience that some users find preferable for typing. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more responsive feel, whereas the Dustproof Brown allows for a more substantial key engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Outemu Dustproof Brown 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 Crystal Pro linear switch is characterized by its bright and chirpy acoustic profile, which adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This distinct sound comes from its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a little squeak that sets it apart from more subdued switches. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's worth noting that the sound output of any switch, including both the V3 Crystal Pro and Dustproof Brown, can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard platform and keycaps, which can either amplify or dampen the switches’ inherent acoustic qualities.
When considering the feel of these switches, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a notably bouncy and polished experience. The bounciness provides an elastic feedback sensation, allowing key presses to feel lively and responsive, which enhances the overall typing engagement. The polished finish indicates reduced friction due to quality materials or factory lubing, leading to a smooth key travel that many typists seek. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch remains unspecified. Thus, comparisons in terms of tactile feedback, smoothness, or rebound response cannot be made.
In summary, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a vibrant chirpy sound and a lively, polished feel, differentiating it significantly from the Outemu Dustproof Brown, for which detailed qualities remain unknown. For those seeking a tactile experience, the V3 Crystal Pro certainly has a clear advantage in both sound and feel. If you're looking for a more engaging typing experience with auditory feedback and a responsive touch, the Crystal Pro would be the better choice compared to the unqualified offerings of the Dustproof Brown.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you value a smoother and more responsive typing experience with a unique, bright sound, the V3 Crystal Pro would be an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force and bouncy feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or anything that demands quick key presses. The polished finish further enhances the smoothness, ensuring minimal friction and an enjoyable overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and a reassuring tactile bump to provide feedback, the Dustproof Brown might suit your needs better. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force, this switch is perfect for those who like a firmer feel when typing and want to avoid accidental key presses. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you: the lively and silky feedback of the V3 Crystal Pro or the more deliberate and tactile nature of the Dustproof Brown. Both options have their own strengths, ensuring a rewarding typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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