Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, to the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, each offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is praised for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience, making it a great choice for those seeking a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda is known for its light-medium tactility, producing a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, offering a thocky and mild typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting for a visually appealing aesthetic. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to enhance the overall sound profile, while the Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound quality.
One significant contrast between the two switches lies in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Red Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a different sound profile, with a deeper and fuller tone. This difference in bottom housing material significantly impacts the overall typing experience, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches showcase the qualities of their top housing material in the sound produced when pressing and releasing a key. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the V3 Crystal Pro and Red Panda results in a clear and resonant sound profile that is further enhanced by the stiffness of the material. This consistency in top housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality when typing on either switch, highlighting the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with a 50-gram actuation force. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to fully press the key. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, which could be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes may lean towards the Outemu Red Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, so users can expect distinct typing experiences from each.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. This switch provides a bright and lively typing experience that adds a hint of personality to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall sound profile you prefer in your typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a bouncy and polished typing experience. The spring-like feedback and smooth finish of the switch result in a lively and refined feel while typing. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. This switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, making it a versatile option for different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The decision between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as they offer distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the chirpy sound and bouncy feel of the V3 Crystal Pro or the thocky sound and mild feel of the Red Panda, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a bright and chirpy sound signature, as well as a silky smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, along with a light-medium amount of tactility, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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