Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Black, a linear switch. The Lavender Purple V3 switches of the Akko V3 are praised for their higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switches offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. While the Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Outemu Black switch does not have any specific characteristics associated with it. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Black, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the key press. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The use of Nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience.
While both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Black utilize polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's Nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Outemu Black's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in material affects the overall sound and feel of the key press, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a more rounded sound due to the absorption properties of Nylon. However, both switches excel in providing a clear and resonant sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, creating a satisfying typing experience for users.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch impacts the overall sound and feel of key presses. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are felt when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division allows each housing material to bring its unique characteristics to different aspects of the typing experience, resulting in a well-rounded sound profile for both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Black switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the heavier actuation force of 65 grams for the Outemu Black linear switch. When it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams while the Outemu Black needs 82 grams, making the Black switch heavier in this aspect as well. For those looking for a light and smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice, especially for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when pressing keys may lean towards the Outemu Black switch for a stronger push and more pronounced typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The difference may not be significant, but those who prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance may find the Outemu Black more suitable. On the other hand, those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times may lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel despite the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The Outemu Black 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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a unique typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump. This switch is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch does not have specific sound or feel characteristics mentioned in the provided information.
When it comes to sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch may offer a more noticeable and satisfying typing sound compared to the Outemu Black switch. However, it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a bouncy and snappy sensation, along with a polished finish that results in smooth key travel. These qualities contribute to a lively and responsive typing experience. Unfortunately, specific details about the feel of the Outemu Black switch are not provided.
Taking all available information into account, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch appears to offer a more dynamic and tactile typing experience compared to the Outemu Black switch. However, individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch for a keyboard setup. It is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch without a tactile bump, the Outemu Black may be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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