Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Lime switches are praised for their lightweight design, subtle tactility, and silent operation, making them a great choice for tactile enthusiasts looking for a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are tailored towards gamers, providing smooth keystrokes with a pleasing sound, along with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick response times. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences and specific 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
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. However, despite this similarity, the differences in the top housing materials set the switches apart. The Lime's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in the top housing material significantly impacts the overall sound experience of the switches.
While both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, the Outemu Lime and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in their choice of top housing material. The Akko V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the Lime's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material of the V3 Silver Pro's top housing allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature that the Lime may not offer. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, crisp sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound when typing.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Lime and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing, their choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Lime's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. If you prioritize a more resonant sound profile and the option for RGB lighting, the V3 Silver Pro may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound experience, the Outemu Lime with its nylon top housing may be the more suitable option.
Weight
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams. In terms of weight, the Outemu Lime switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is desired. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottom out force, but the Outemu Lime is the lighter option between the two.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the same for both switches, meaning that users will get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches.Overall, the travel distance of both switches is not a differentiating factor in choosing between them as they offer the same level of key travel and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
The Outemu Lime (V3) 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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its neutral and muted sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and preferences such as gaming or office work. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a sharper tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps chosen, so experimenting with different setups may be necessary to find the ideal sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities translate into a gentle key press that is light on the fingers, reduces fatigue, and provides a smooth typing feel. Similarly, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch boasts an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience. These characteristics contribute to a responsive and low-impact key press that glides effortlessly, offering a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation.
Overall, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the Lime switch is best suited for those seeking a lightweight and silent tactile experience, the V3 Silver Pro switch is tailored for gamers looking for quick and responsive keystrokes with a pleasing sound profile. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switch selection, experimenting with these switches on various keyboard setups can help you achieve the desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and cater to specific user requirements, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a light and feathery typing experience with a touch of tactility while being silenced, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered specifically for gaming with a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a light and tactile typing experience or a gaming-focused switch with smooth and effortless keystrokes.
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