Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is highly regarded for its combination of features that cater to keyboard enthusiasts. With a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, this switch provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that does not have any specific standout features mentioned. While the Lavender Purple Pro is described as "Accented", "Bouncy", "Snappy", and "Polished", the Gold switch does not have any descriptive categories. Both switches have their own unique appeal, offering different typing experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Gold, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for the top housing of switches. However, it is worth noting that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in the bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Gold play a significant role in the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, resulting in a more rounded sound compared to the Gold's polycarbonate bottom housing. This highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Gold share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing that enhances the depth and fullness of the typing experience. The different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches demonstrate how each component influences the sound and feel of the switch when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's clear that the actuation force is the same for both at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requiring 55 grams and the Gold needing 60 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold provides a slightly heavier typing experience, offering a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, providing a good balance between responsiveness and typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and response of the switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold switch being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Gold 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may offer a sharper and more pronounced click sound. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material used, so individual preferences may vary.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is often described as having an accented tactile bump, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither too subtle nor too prominent. Additionally, the bouncy and snappy nature of these switches can offer a lively and responsive typing experience. Alternatively, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's tactile feedback and overall feel are unknown at this time, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Considering all the available information, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch appears to offer a combination of a higher-pitched sound profile, accented tactile feedback, and bouncy key feel for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, details about the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound and feel are currently unknown, making it challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison. To achieve similar results in sound and feel, experimenting with different keycap materials or keyboard configurations may be necessary based on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and are not as concerned with additional features or characteristics, the Outemu Gold switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what features are most important to you.
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