Outemu Blue Jade vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch. The Blue Jade switch is recognized for its unique None characteristics and falls into the clicky category. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is designed specifically for gamers, offering an effortless keystroke experience with a satisfying bassy sound. The V3 Silver Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. While the Blue Jade switch provides a distinct tactile feedback, the V3 Silver Pro switch boasts a smoother keystroke ideal for quick and precise movements in gaming. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
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 Blue Jade and the V3 Silver Pro, it is clear that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences and can significantly impact the typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and V3 Silver Pro utilize nylon for this component. This means that despite the differences in their top housing materials, the typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel is likely to be similar. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This demonstrates that while the top housing material may have a more noticeable impact on the overall sound, the bottom housing also plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience.
In essence, the choice between the Blue Jade and V3 Silver Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Blue Jade offers a mellower and rounder sound due to its nylon top housing, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a clearer and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing material, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch. The Blue Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams of force to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro only requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter switch. These differences in force levels offer distinct typing experiences for users. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Blue Jade, while users looking for a lighter touch may find the V3 Silver Pro more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the V3 Silver Pro for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may opt for the Blue Jade with its longer travel distance. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their travel distances, with the Blue Jade offering a deeper keypress and the V3 Silver Pro providing a more rapid response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Blue Jade 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 Blue Jade switch is known for its crisp and satisfying clicky sound, providing a tactile auditory response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound profile that offers a sharp and distinct tone when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Jade clicky switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro linear switch appeals to those who prefer a lighter and smoother sound profile during typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is recognized for its tactile feedback and pronounced click during key presses, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile response. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and comfort of each keystroke. This feature may be particularly beneficial for gamers or individuals engaging in extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct advantages based on sound and feel preferences. While the Blue Jade switch delivers a tactile and satisfying clicky sound paired with tactile feedback, the V3 Silver Pro switch provides a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with various pleasant descriptors such as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a rewarding typing experience, ensuring comfort and performance for different usage scenarios. If one enjoys tactile feedback and a distinct click sound, the Blue Jade may be the preferred choice, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a smooth and easy typing experience with a variety of appealing characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference and intended use case. If you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clicky sound profile, the Blue Jade is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force, smooth keystrokes, and a gaming-centric design, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the way to go. Remember to consider factors like sound, feel, and the specific features that each switch offers to make an informed decision that best suits your typing or gaming needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you value most in a keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
