Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a linear switch. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its delightful combination of features, including a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making it a great choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering to gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Yellow Silver also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Both switches benefit from this classic housing material, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sound when letting go of a key, the nylon bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the best qualities of polycarbonate and nylon for a satisfying sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the pressure needed to bottom out the key. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, both switches would be suitable options. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, both switches may not provide the heavier force they desire. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience each user is looking for.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly quicker and more responsive typing experience compared to the Yellow Silver switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper press and more satisfying typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.
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 Yellow Silver 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched profile with a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch boasts a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactile feedback with a spring-like sensation, responsive typing experience, and smooth key travel. As for the Yellow Silver switch, the specific descriptors for its tactile feel are unknown. It's important to note that tactile switches like the V3 Lavender Purple Pro can enhance typing accuracy and comfort due to their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, while providing a medium level of tactile feedback with a spring-like sensation, responsive typing experience, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile and is suitable for those who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force, a neutral sound profile, and a switch that is favorable for gaming and typing due to its speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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