Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Silent Yellow present two distinct yet intriguing options for enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro is celebrated for its fully polycarbonate construction, which lends itself to a bright and chirpy sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an audible and engaging typing experience. Characterized as ‘bouncy’, ‘chirpy’, and ‘polished’, these switches offer a silky smooth feel, enhancing the overall tactile satisfaction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow is designed for users seeking a quieter typing experience, thanks to its focus on diminished sound levels, making it ideal for those in shared spaces or needing to minimize distractions. Given these unique attributes, the Crystal Pro may be the preferred choice for gamers and typists who appreciate feedback and sound, while the Silent Yellow caters to those who favor discretion. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile that emphasizes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role here, as it allows for a clearer and more resonant sound when the key is released. Additionally, both switches feature translucency in their top housings, making them ideal for setups with RGB lighting, as the illuminated effects can enhance the visual aesthetics while maintaining an impressive sound output.
In contrast, the housing materials used in the bottom part of these switches differ significantly. While the V3 Crystal Pro employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Outemu Silent Yellow opts for a nylon bottom housing. This distinction leads to varying sound profiles during key presses. The polycarbonate bottom of the V3 ensures a consistent resonance that aligns with the top's sound characteristics, maintaining that crisp auditory experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing found in the Silent Yellow absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This can create a more cushioned feel when typing, as the nylon's softer composition alters the auditory and tactile feedback of the keypresses.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, the differences in bottom housing materials considerably influence the typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro's combination of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom leads to a more uniform sound profile that emphasizes clarity at all stages of the keystroke. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow's construction results in a split sound experience, where the top's sharper characteristics contrast with the deeper tones produced by the nylon bottom. Ultimately, while both sets of switches provide clear and resonant sound profiles when released, the V3 Crystal Pro will deliver clarity throughout the keypress, while the Silent Yellow offers a more rounded auditory experience particularly influenced by its nylon bottom housing during use.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the Silent Yellow's 45 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions may find the Silent Yellow more comfortable. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating they deliver the same resistance when pressed fully down. As a result, users can expect a similar bottoming out experience from both switches, even though the Silent Yellow offers a lighter keystroke leading up to that point. Overall, while the Silent Yellow is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, both switches provide a medium feel suitable for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we find that the V3 Crystal Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Yellow measures 4.0 mm. This makes the V3 Crystal Pro the shorter switch, offering a more responsive feel ideal for gamers who favor quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's 4.0 mm travel distance aligns with the traditional preference for deeper key presses, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a heftier depth in their typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that enables quicker response times, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow may cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced travel distance in their switches.
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 Yellow 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
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch delivers a bright and chirpy sound signature, thanks to its fully polycarbonate construction. This unique acoustic profile adds a lively quality to each keystroke, making typing an engaging and somewhat expressive experience. The chirpy nature of these switches can lend a fun character to your keyboard, which is especially enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have specific sound characteristics outlined, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this area. Therefore, if sound is a primary concern, the V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its distinctive auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is notable for its bouncy and polished characteristics. The bouncy sensation provides an elastic feedback that makes each key press feel lively and responsive, ideal for both typing and gaming. The polished finish of the switch not only enhances the smoothness of key travel but also reduces friction, contributing to an overall refined typing experience. Unfortunately, there are no detailed descriptions regarding the feel of the Silent Yellow switch, which leaves an unexplored aspect in comparing the two.
In summary, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch excels with its distinctive chirpy sound and lively bouncy feel, combined with a silky-smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks detailed sound and feel descriptions, making it challenging to assess its qualities against the V3 Crystal Pro. For those who prioritize sound and a dynamic typing sensation, the V3 Crystal Pro presents a more enticing option, while the Silent Yellow may appeal to those who prefer to remain uninformed about its particulars.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches, consider your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value an engaging and dynamic typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be ideal for you. Its chirpy sound profile and bouncy feel not only add a level of excitement to your keystrokes but also provide smooth feedback, making it a delightful choice for both gaming and typing tasks. Additionally, the fully polycarbonate construction enhances durability and contributes to the unique acoustic signature, which could be appealing if you enjoy the auditory aspect of typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter environment, or if you often type in shared spaces where noise can be a distraction, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches might be the better option. With the same bottom-out force of 60 grams and a focus on silent operation, these switches offer an undisturbed experience, allowing you to type or game without the characteristic key clicks or chirps. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prefer a lively and responsive switch or one that emphasizes silence and discretion.
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