Outemu Cold Plum vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features suited for different preferences. The Cold Plum is favored for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a top pick for enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is specifically designed for gamers, with its effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance providing key advantages in competitive gaming scenarios. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it's clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their nylon and polycarbonate materials. The Cold Plum's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a rounder tone. In contrast, the Silver Pro's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer composition that promotes a clear and resonant tone. While the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing is similar to the Silver Pro's in terms of sound profile, the differences in their top housings result in distinct auditory experiences for users.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Cold Plum and Silver Pro differ in their top housing materials. The Nylon top housing of the Cold Plum contributes to its rounder sound profile, absorbing sound for a duller tone. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver Pro creates a more high-pitched and sharp sound, offering a clear and resonant tone that enhances the overall typing experience. These discrepancies in top housing materials demonstrate how small changes can have a significant impact on the sound produced by mechanical switches.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Cold Plum and Silver Pro switches highlights the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound profiles. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Cold Plum's nylon housing creates a deep and full sound, while the Silver Pro's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharp and clear tone. Understanding how these materials affect sound production can help users make informed decisions when selecting mechanical switches based on their preferred sound profile. Whether you choose the Cold Plum or the Silver Pro, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches, a clear difference in weight is evident. The Cold Plum switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of typing resistance. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference in weight means that the Cold Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro switch is lighter and allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Therefore, those who prefer a heavier feel should opt for the Cold Plum switch, while those who prioritize a lighter touch may prefer the V3 Silver Pro switch.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Cold Plum or the Akko V3 Silver Pro, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Cold Plum 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
The Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, appealing to those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch is smooth, while the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a variety of feel options including easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. These qualities cater to different preferences, with the V3 Silver Pro offering a smoother and lighter typing experience compared to the Cold Plum switch.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provide unique and distinct typing experiences. The Cold Plum switch excels in delivering a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is engineered specifically for gamers, offering a range of feel options including easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, catering to different preferences and providing a smooth and light typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer quality options that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force switch that provides a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile, then the Cold Plum would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, especially for gaming scenarios where speed and efficiency are crucial, the V3 Silver Pro would be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences and overall typing experience goals. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits and characteristics, so make sure to choose the one that best fits your individual needs.
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