Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue offer unique experiences for users. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that is beloved for its high-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and features such as being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that is known for its clicky sound and crisp feedback. While the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a delightful typing experience with its tactile feedback, the Outemu Milk Blue offers a distinct audible click with each keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue switches are quite similar, as both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer material. Despite these similarities, the distribution of these housing materials within the switches can affect the overall typing experience.
While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, resulting in a similar sound profile, the difference lies in the impact of the nylon bottom housings. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing will provide a similar effect, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. This variation in bottom housing material may offer a subtle difference in typing feel between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Milk Blue switches results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing delivers a clear and resonant sound, particularly noticeable when releasing a key, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs sound for a deeper typing experience. Therefore, while the two switches share the same top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material can provide unique characteristics in sound and feel for users to consider when choosing between them.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's 50 grams. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Milk Blue, which does not provide information on its bottom out force. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The difference between the two may not be significant, but for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Milk Blue may be the preferred choice. However, for those looking for a quicker response time, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Milk Blue 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 often praised for its higher-pitched sound profile, which adds a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is known for its crisp and satisfying clicky sound, which can be more pronounced compared to other clicky switches. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard structure and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is often described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities combine to offer a tactile typing experience that is neither too sharp nor too subtle, providing a satisfying amount of feedback and smooth key travel. As for the Outemu Milk Blue switch, information on its specific tactile feel is not available at this time.
Taking into consideration the information provided, it is clear that the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a distinct tactile feel that is characterized by a balance of feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is known for its crisp clicky sound, but specific details regarding its tactile feel are currently unavailable. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both can offer a unique typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a satisfying tactile bump, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch without a specified bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Explore both options and choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
