Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that is beloved for its high-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cold Plum by Outemu is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Lavender Purple Pro is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Cold Plum boasts a unique feel with its fully nylon construction. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum, one notable difference is the top housing material. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a more muted and rounder sound experience.
On the other hand, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum feature nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite having different top housing materials, the switches share similar qualities in their bottom housings, leading to comparable sound profiles when typing on them.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Whether you prioritize a clear and resonant sound or a more muted and round sound, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum is heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users seeking a stronger typing experience. Overall, those opting for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro can expect a lighter feel during typing sessions, while users of the Cold Plum will experience a heavier and more forceful keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Outemu switch. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a more comfortable and satisfying key press experience for those who prefer a deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both options cater to different preferences, with the Akko switch offering a longer travel distance and the Outemu switch providing a slightly shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in mechanical keyboards.
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 Cold Plum 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, while the Outemu Cold Plum offers a thocky sound that is unique and enjoyable. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a distinct tone and the Cold Plum delivering a smooth and pleasing sound. The sound of both switches can further be influenced by the keyboard construction, keycaps, and other factors.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is not specified in the provided information. However, linear switches typically offer a smooth keystroke without a tactile bump, allowing for a consistent and linear typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound and a satisfying tactile bump, while the Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound and a smooth keystroke. Depending on personal preference, both switches can offer a delightful typing experience, with the Lavender Purple Pro catering to those seeking a tactile switch and the Cold Plum for enthusiasts looking for a linear switch. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasurable typing experience, and choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and like a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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