Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features for keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its delightful combination of a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf does not have a specific standout feature but offers a more subtle and polished typing experience. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel you are looking for; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
pom
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf, it is evident that they differ significantly. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is especially advantageous for those who enjoy RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for stunning visual effects. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon material, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Maple Leaf contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience overall. The absorption of sound by the softer nylon plastic in the bottom housing helps to minimize unwanted noise during typing sessions. Despite their different top housings, the shared bottom housing material ensures a consistent sound profile across both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf delivers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who enjoy a more muffled and satisfying typing feel. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials, allowing users to customize their setup based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also requires less force at 55 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 65 grams. This means that while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter typing experience overall, the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial and heavier feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Outemu Maple Leaf for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly deeper key press experience than the Maple Leaf. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and tactility, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive key press, the Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences, so the choice between the two will depend on individual preference.
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 Maple Leaf 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 distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch's sound profile is currently unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors like keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized as having a combination of features such as accented tactility, bouncy feedback, snappy response, and a polished feel. These qualities result in a tactile switch that offers a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is currently unknown, making it challenging to compare directly with the Lavender Purple Pro switch.
Ultimately, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch stands out as a well-rounded tactile switch with a unique sound profile and a satisfying typing feel. If the Outemu Maple Leaf switch offers similar characteristics to the Lavender Purple Pro, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, without specific information on the Maple Leaf switch, it is recommended to try out both switches personally to determine the best fit for individual preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. 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 would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and prioritize other factors such as a specific type of feel or sound profile that the Maple Leaf offers, then that would be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing experience preferences.
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