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Outemu Black vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, also a linear switch, offer unique qualities to suit different preferences. The Outemu Black switch is best known for its None, providing a straightforward typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out for its lively and crisp sound signature, thanks to the design of the Piano Pro switches with a long pole. This switch offers a bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky feel during keystrokes. While these general descriptions give an overview of each switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

65g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

82g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.50 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

20mm spring

Housing materials

The Outemu Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, but the Black utilizes a nylon bottom housing while the Piano Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Black creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the nylon top housing of the Piano Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Black is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Piano Pro offers a more classic look.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon bottom housings. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are felt when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the user can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

Overall, while both the Outemu Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature different top housing materials, they both share a nylon bottom housing. This results in a typing experience that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The choice of housing materials in each switch impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Black providing a sharper sound profile and the nylon top housing of the Piano Pro offering a classic and fuller sound.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Black has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Outemu Black has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This suggests that the Outemu Black provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter and smoother typing feel. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience would lean towards the Outemu Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Outemu Black is more traditional, offering a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro is slightly shorter, providing a quicker response time which is favored by gamers. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro, while individuals who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Outemu Black. Both switches offer varying travel distances to cater to different preferences.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.

The Outemu Black 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

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Black switch is known for its silence, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is recognized for its unique "clacky" sound profile, providing a crisp and lively auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the Black switch may be better suited for a quieter environment, the Piano Pro switch offers a more distinctive and upbeat sound quality that adds character to your typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Black switch is known for its smooth linear actuation without much tactile feedback. However, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a range of tactile experiences, from a bouncy and elastic sensation to a smooth and buttery glide across the keys. With descriptors like "creamy," "polished," and "silky," the Piano Pro switch provides a luxurious and refined typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with its varied tactile feedback options.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Black and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches both fall under the linear switch category, they offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Black switch may be the better option for you. However, if you're looking for a switch with a lively sound signature and a range of tactile sensations, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would be a more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a heavier keystroke with a more subtle sound profile, the Outemu Black switch with its 82-gram bottom out force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light keystroke with a snappy and resonant sound, along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky tactile feedback, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch could be the better option to suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and your desired sound signature.

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