Outemu Blue Jade vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Blue Jade is well-known for its clicky feedback, providing users with a satisfying sound and tactile bump upon actuation. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its smooth and snappy keystrokes, thanks to the long pole design of the switch. The Piano Pro switches are praised for their lively and crisp sound signature, adding a unique quality to each key press. While the Blue Jade offers a traditional clicky experience, the V3 Piano Pro provides a smooth and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon as the material for their housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures a consistent sound experience throughout typing, as the material's properties have a significant impact on both the initial press and the release of a key.

Despite both switches sharing the same material for their housing, there may still be differences in the sound and feel of the Blue Jade and the V3 Piano Pro due to potential variations in design and construction. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. These distinctions in how the housing materials interact with the key press contribute to the overall typing experience and may result in subtle differences between the two switches.

Overall, the choice of nylon as a housing material for both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound compared to switches with harder plastics, enhancing the overall typing sensation. While there may be nuances in the sound and feel between the two switches due to design variations, the consistent use of nylon in their housing ensures a certain level of similarity in the typing experience provided by both the Blue Jade and the V3 Piano Pro.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Jade is heavier in both aspects. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro, as it requires less force to both actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Blue Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blue Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced depth when pressing down on the key compared to the V3 Piano Pro. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize depth and feedback or quick and responsive typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade switch does not have a specific reputation or descriptor, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy and clacky sound profile, which adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The V3 Piano Pro switch also has a resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp sound experience. The sound produced by both switches will ultimately depend on additional factors such as keycaps and the keyboard itself.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade switch does not have notable descriptors for its typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy sensation offers spring-like feedback and lively key presses, while the creamy feel provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the polished and silky attributes of the V3 Piano Pro switch contribute to a refined and frictionless typing feel, enhancing overall smoothness and reducing resistance during keystrokes.

In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics to cater to different preferences. While the Blue Jade switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, along with bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile experiences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile response with a sharp clicky sound, the Blue Jade switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a smooth actuation and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the auditory charm and tactile feedback of the Blue Jade or the smoothness and lively feel of the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Consider your typing style and preferences before making your final choice.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more