Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red Panda mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, resulting in a polished feel for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda provides a thocky and mild tactility, creating a unique typing experience with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. 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
60g
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
No
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
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red Panda feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is especially ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances the overall aesthetics and sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Outemu Red Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, further emphasizing the switch's ability to create a duller and rounder sound when typing. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of qualities that can be felt and heard when using these switches.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red Panda share similarities in their housing materials, particularly with their polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile. While the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro differentiates itself with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper typing experience, the Outemu Red Panda follows suit with its own nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Both switches offer a combination of qualities from their different housing materials that enhance the sound and feel of typing on these mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In comparison, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium option. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Red Panda requires a bit more force to register a keypress and fully press down compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, the Akko switch may be the more suitable choice. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push and typing experience may find the Outemu Red Panda to be a better fit. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Red Panda's 3.3 mm. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Red Panda. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Both switches offer unique experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Panda comes in at $3.40 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
Overall, when comparing the sound between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Red Panda provides a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches, so it's important to consider these factors when making a decision.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming or subtle, along with a spring-like rebound sensation. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches, it comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with a more pronounced tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a gentler typing experience with a bassier bottom-out sound, the Red Panda could be more suitable. Consider trying out both switches in person, if possible, to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda is the switch for you. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference for sound and feel, so consider what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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