Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red offer distinct typing experiences for different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is renowned for its delightful combination of features, with a higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is a linear switch that offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. Those who prefer a more polished and quieter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Red. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Outemu Red switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it beneficial for switches intended for RGB lighting, giving a visually appealing effect when used in conjunction with colorful lighting options.
On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Outemu Red switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporating a nylon bottom housing compared to the Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material highlights the impact that different materials can have on the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
Overall, while the top housings of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Outemu Red switches are the same in terms of utilizing polycarbonate, their differing bottom housing materials showcase how variations in housing materials can influence the sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper sound profile of nylon, each material brings a unique quality to the overall typing experience, impacting both the sound when pressing down a key and when releasing it.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Red is the heavier option with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a medium-light touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Red switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a medium force requirement, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being the lighter option and the Red being the heavier option. Despite some slight differences in force requirements, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with a 3.8 mm travel distance. While both switches fall within the typical range for mechanical keyboard switches, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Outemu Red linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Red 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, which adds a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a quieter sound compared to tactile switches like the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by its accented tactile bump, providing a satisfying level of tactility without being too overwhelming. Additionally, it offers a bouncy and snappy feel thanks to its spring-like feedback and responsive nature. The polished finish of the switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its linear actuation without any tactile bump, offering a straightforward key press experience without any interruption.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, resulting in a delightful typing experience with a bouncy and snappy feel. In comparison, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a quieter sound and a linear actuation for a straightforward key press experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful combination of features with a higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear feel without any tactile bump, then the Outemu Red switch might be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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