Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze stand out for different reasons. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is celebrated for its delightful tactile feedback and higher-pitched sound profile, making each keystroke feel both engaging and satisfying for typists and gamers alike. This accented and polished switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience, enhancing productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, while the Outemu Spring Breeze lacks a distinctive characterization, its clicky nature appeals to users who appreciate an audible and tactile response with every press. This can provide a more pronounced sense of typing satisfaction, particularly for those who relish the sound of clicks during their typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—whether you desire a refined tactile feel or the pure enjoyment of clicky keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a top housing made of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material enhances the switch's sound profile, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The clear housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating an aesthetic appeal that complements the sound properties. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. Due to the softer nature of nylon, it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials significantly influences the acoustic response of the switches.
Examining the bottom housings reveals more similarities than differences, as both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon for their bottom housing components. Because nylon is a classic switch housing material, its implementation in both switches contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs sound, dampening the tonal clarity offered by the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. As a result, while the bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar auditory signature characterized by a rounder sound, the sound profile of each switch is predominantly shaped by the material used in the top housing.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the hybrid approach of having differing materials for the top and bottom housings leads to unique results. For users looking for a sharper and crisper typing sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro’s combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom offers a balanced experience with clear auditory feedback upon key release and a full sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze taps into a more pronounced dampening effect through its all-nylon construction, making for an overall rounder listening experience. In essence, those who prefer the sharper tones of polycarbonate will gravitate towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while users who favor a fuller sound profile will appreciate the Outemu Spring Breeze, illustrating the crucial impact of housing materials on switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and the same bottom out force of 55 grams, we can see some notable differences in their typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its slightly higher actuation force, offers a firmer feel when pressing down to register a keystroke, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Spring Breeze is lighter at 40 grams for actuation, which may be more comfortable for those who type for extended periods or prefer a quicker response. Both switches bottom out at 55 grams, which means they provide a consistent resistance when fully pressed, but the difference in actuation force means that the Akko switch will require more effort to register a keystroke compared to the Outemu. This variance makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro better suited for individuals seeking a heavier key feel, while the Spring Breeze appeals to those favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Spring Breeze provides a deeper keystroke due to its additional 0.2 mm of travel, which can lead to a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a hearty depth in their switches. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Lavender Purple Pro can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times, as the distance allows for a more responsive feel. Ultimately, those who enjoy a more abrupt typing experience may gravitate towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while users looking for a traditional keystroke depth might prefer the Outemu Spring Breeze.
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 Spring Breeze 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 tactile switch stands out with its higher-pitched sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience that many typists appreciate. The tactile bump adds to the overall sound quality, enhancing the feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a specified sound profile in the information provided, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it's key to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
When examining the feel of these switches, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a well-rounded tactile experience characterized by an accented design, which strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming. The bouncy response adds a lively touch, making keystrokes feel energetic and engaging. Additionally, its snappy nature contributes to a rapid response, ideal for those who appreciate quick tactile feedback. The polished finish of the switch ensures that the key travel is smooth, further enhancing the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel, making it difficult to compare directly; hence, its feel remains uncharted in this discussion.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is well-regarded for its delightful sound and an impressive tactile feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch leaves much to the imagination due to the lack of described qualities. Users looking for a satisfying typing experience are likely to find the V3 Lavender Purple Pro appealing, while those interested in the Spring Breeze may need to try it out themselves, as it doesn't provide equivalent details to assess. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences, especially in terms of sound and tactile feedback, where the Lavender Purple Pro shines brightly.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you lean towards a tactile feedback that is noticeable but not overwhelming, paired with a smooth and lively feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a fantastic fit. Its medium-light actuation force, combined with the accentuated tactile bump and snappy response, makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, providing an enjoyable and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by the idea of a clicky switch and prefer a sound profile that adds an audible element to your keystrokes, you may find the Spring Breeze appealing, especially if you appreciate a responsive feel. Nevertheless, given the lack of prominent features compared to the V3 switches, the Spring Breeze might not be as suitable if you seek a refined typing experience. In the end, it boils down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound, so consider trying both switches if you have the chance to find out which resonates with you the most.
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