Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea offer unique features catering to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, doesn't have any standout features mentioned but is known for its tactile feedback. So, if you're looking for a switch that offers a bouncy, chirpy, and polished typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Crystal Pro Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$4.22

$3.30 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea, one notable difference is in the top housing. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Crystal Pro caters more towards creating a sharp and clear sound, while the Ly top housing in the Milk Tea leans towards providing a bright and resonant sound experience.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. This consistency in material across the switch contributes to a cohesive sound profile, characterized by sharpness and clarity. On the contrary, the Outemu Milk Tea incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials signifies a difference in the overall sound experience between the two switches.

Overall, while the V3 Crystal Pro and the Milk Tea differ in their choice of housing materials, they both prioritize enhancing sound quality through distinct characteristics. The polycarbonate housing in the V3 Crystal Pro yields a sharper and clearer sound profile, especially noticeable when pressing down on the switch. In comparison, the Milk Tea's combination of Ly top and nylon bottom housing provides a bright and resonant sound experience while typing. Despite these distinctions, both switches are designed to maximize sound resonance and clarity, catering to different preferences for sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Crystal Pro is heavier with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Milk Tea is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is not listed. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Typists who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and comfort level with actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Milk Tea switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The difference may not be significant to the average user, but for those who are more particular about their typing experience, it could make a difference in terms of comfort and feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being on the slightly longer side. Ultimately, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Crystal Pro or the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea switch will depend on your personal preference for typing depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique and distinctive typing experience with its bright and chirpy sound signature and silky smooth feel due to its fully polycarbonate construction. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have specific subjective qualities mentioned. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a lively and bouncy feel along with a polished finish, the V3 Crystal Pro would be the recommended choice. However, without information on the Milk Tea switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams with a bright and chirpy sound signature, as well as a silky smooth typing experience, then the V3 Crystal Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an undefined bottom out force and are looking for a unique sound and feel, you may be drawn to the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Crystal Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.30 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more