Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro with the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience that appeals to keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile, bouncy feel, snappy response, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are known for their quiet operation and highly tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a satisfying yet silent typing experience. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches are quite similar as they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
The difference in housing materials between the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey becomes apparent in the feel and sound when typing on these switches. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that create a clear and resonant sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller element to the typing experience. The Silent Grey, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, may lack the same depth in sound but still retains the sharp and crisp characteristics of polycarbonate, especially when releasing a key.
In terms of overall performance, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a similar sound when pressing down on a key due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more rounded and deeply resonant sound upon bottoming out, giving it a slight edge in sound quality compared to the Silent Grey. 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 to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the two. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing feel. Those looking for a more effortless typing experience may prefer the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while individuals seeking a more substantial keystroke may gravitate towards the Outemu Silent Grey. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and response, catering to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a slightly more substantial depth to each keypress, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silent Grey 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 switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile, adding a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are designed to provide a quiet typing experience, making them ideal for environments where noise can be a concern. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the overall keyboard build and keycap material, so it's essential to consider these factors when making a decision.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is both responsive and smooth. This combination results in a satisfying typing experience that is neither too soft nor too harsh. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are known for their pronounced tactile bump and smooth keystroke, providing a tactile sensation that is quiet yet still engaging. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, catering to different preferences in terms of feedback and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Outemu Silent Grey switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches provide a higher-pitched sound profile and a medium level of tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey switches focus on quiet operation and pronounced tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the Outemu Silent Grey, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience based on their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a quiet, highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, then the Outemu Silent Grey would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
