Outemu Black vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is important to consider their key differences. The Outemu Black switch is known for its undefined qualities and is categorized as []. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is engineered for gamers, providing a smooth keystroke experience with a pleasing bassy sound. The V3 Silver Pro features a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, making it ideal for speed-oriented scenarios. Both switches offer advantages such as ease of pressing and a creamy feel, so it is essential to analyze their individual characteristics to determine which one suits your needs best. Let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make an informed decision on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches sharing similar housing materials for the top and bottom components, the Outemu Black and Akko V3 Silver Pro may still differ in their overall sound and feel due to the distribution of these materials. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This split between top and bottom housings emphasizes the importance of both materials in shaping the overall typing experience.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the distribution of these materials in the Outemu Black and Akko V3 Silver Pro results in distinct typing experiences. The implementation of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, creating a rounder and duller tone. Understanding how each housing material impacts different aspects of typing can help users make informed decisions based on their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer significantly different experiences. The Outemu Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, indicating that it requires a substantial amount of pressure to register a keystroke and fully press the key down. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more effortless and gentle typing experience. This stark contrast in force requirements showcases the versatility of these switches, as the Outemu Black switch is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is ideal for individuals looking for a lighter touch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Outemu Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The 4.0mm travel distance on the Outemu Black is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance on the Akko V3 Silver Pro is shallower, offering a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers looking for speed and precision. In terms of travel distance, the Outemu Black is longer while the Akko V3 Silver Pro is shorter, but both switches provide reliable performance depending on personal preferences.
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 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 linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched, crisp sound with each keystroke, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback that some users may find appealing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a standard typing experience without any specific descriptors provided. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The switch is also described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Black linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a switch specifically designed for gaming with a high-pitched sound profile and comfortable, easy-to-press feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be a better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that aligns with your specific needs and typing style will result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier keystroke with a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Black linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a light actuation force and a smoother, more responsive typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be the more ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages depending on your use case, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a keyboard switch.
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