Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro present two distinct options to consider. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, while the V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch. The Crystal Brown is known for its unique characteristics, while the V3 Silver Pro is specially designed for gamers, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound. The Crystal Brown is categorized as tactile, while the V3 Silver Pro is categorized as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, high-pitched, polished, and silky. Ultimately, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown or the gamer-centric design of the V3 Silver Pro will depend on your personal preferences and usage habits; 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Outemu Crystal Brown and Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Crystal Brown has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silver Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, both switches offer similar characteristics with their polycarbonate top housings. The stiffer plastic creates a sharper and crisper sound that resonates well. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the Silver Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing may produce a slightly different sound profile due to its stiffness. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall feel and sound of the switch when actuating and releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Akko V3 Silver Pro will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The Crystal Brown may appeal to those looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Silver Pro may offer a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, making them suitable options for those looking for a more premium typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams. This makes the V3 Silver Pro the lighter option overall. The Crystal Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, offering a nice balance between actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those who like a more effortless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch, the V3 Silver Pro would be the better option, while the Crystal Brown would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier key press.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Crystal Brown offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a deeper keypress feel, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a shorter travel distance that can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness. Each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its individual 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 Crystal Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for producing None. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. This characteristic is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and distinct auditory feedback while typing or gaming. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific feel associated with it. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. Additionally, it is described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. This combination of qualities makes the V3 Silver Pro switch comfortable for extended typing sessions, enhancing overall typing efficiency and comfort.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch may lack specific descriptions for sound and feel qualities, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile and the easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience it offers. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Akko switch catering more towards gamers and those seeking a smoother and low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, it is important to consider individual preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch without any specific standout features, the Crystal Brown may be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a switch specifically designed for gaming with a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize a smooth, buttery typing experience offered by the V3 Silver Pro or a more traditional tactile feel provided by the Crystal Brown. Evaluate your keyboard usage and preferences carefully to make the best choice for your needs.
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