Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey are two popular options with distinct characteristics to offer. The V3 Crystal Pro features a linear switch with fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bouncy and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and highly tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those who want a satisfying and silent keystroke. While the V3 Crystal Pro leans towards a brighter and more polished feel, the Outemu Silent Grey excels in delivering a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches have similar top housings, the V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, ensuring that the clear and resonant sound profile is maintained throughout the entire switch.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing. This material provides a different typing experience compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound that is unique to switches using nylon housing. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Silent Grey switch offers a different tactile and auditory experience for users compared to the V3 Crystal Pro.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials - polycarbonate for the V3 Crystal Pro and nylon for the Silent Grey - results in distinct typing experiences. The V3 Crystal Pro maintains a clear and resonant sound profile throughout, while the Silent Grey offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both fall in the medium weight category when it comes to actuation force, providing a balance between light and heavy typing experiences. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey is heavier at 65 grams compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's 60 grams. This means that typing on the Outemu Silent Grey switch may feel slightly more substantial and require a bit more force compared to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the V3 Crystal Pro offering a lighter typing experience and the Silent Grey providing a heavier feel. Both switches offer a good balance between actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the V3 Crystal Pro for its faster actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Silent Grey with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the speed and depth of key presses during typing or gaming.
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 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
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique and lively typing experience with its chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel due to its fully polycarbonate construction. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches bring something different to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a bright and bouncy typing experience or a quiet and tactile one. Make sure to consider other factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices to fully optimize your typing experience. If you enjoy one, you may likely enjoy the other as well, as they both offer satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should choose the V3 Crystal Pro if you prioritize a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Outemu Silent Grey if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. In summary, the V3 Crystal Pro is best for those who enjoy bouncy and polished switches, while the Silent Grey is ideal for individuals seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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