Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Lavender Purple V3 switches offer a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, making them a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts for their bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Phoenix switches stand out with their under-skirt click mechanism, providing a unique crunchy feel and a crystalline, sparkling sound profile. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more polished typing experience, the Phoenix switches provide a one-of-a-kind clicky sensation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Phoenix, it's clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Phoenix features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains a sharper and clearer sound profile similar to its top housing.
One notable difference between the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Phoenix is their choice of bottom housing material. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Phoenix opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing material highlights the impact that different plastics can have on the overall typing experience, influencing the sound and feel of each keystroke. Despite this difference, both keyboards share a common use of polycarbonate for their top housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile when typing or releasing keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Phoenix directly influences the sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. While both keyboards use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference illustrates how the bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a more round and dull sound profile, in contrast to the Phoenix's clearer and resonant sound. Ultimately, understanding the housing materials used in a keyboard can enhance the overall typing experience and customization options for users.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Phoenix, which does not specify an actuation force. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Phoenix's 62 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, whereas the Phoenix offers a medium typing experience. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Outemu Phoenix. Both switches have their own unique attributes in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, selecting the ideal switch comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Phoenix being slightly shorter than the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Outemu Phoenix due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Phoenix clicky switch is characterized by a crunchy sound, akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing sensation, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a more subtle and tactile sound while the Phoenix provides a distinct clicky sound that some users may find satisfying.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. This means that it provides a medium tactile feedback with a spring-like response, making the keys feel lively and ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch is also described as having a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a more varied feel with its combination of bouncy and snappy characteristics.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a variety of tactile feedback, the Phoenix offers a distinct crunchy sound and a polished feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and enhances their overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying and unique typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider the following factors. Opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and a switch that offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Outemu Phoenix if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a unique under-skirt click mechanism for a crystalline sound profile, and a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel.
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