Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Dustproof Blue is known for its clicky feedback, providing a tactile and audible response with each key press. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering a smooth and linear keystroke with a focus on quick actuation and reduced travel distance. While the Dustproof Blue may appeal to those who enjoy the satisfying click sound, the V3 Silver Pro's light actuation force and precise input may be desirable for gamers seeking speed and accuracy. 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
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
Both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches feature polycarbonate top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material suggest that users can expect a similar overall sound experience from both switches, with a focus on clarity and sharpness.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches provide a different sound profile. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, their differences in top housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the Akko V3 Silver Pro likely to provide a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches will ultimately depend on the user's preference for sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with polycarbonate top housings emphasizing clarity and sharpness, while nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound. Users looking for a crisper sound profile may prefer the Dustproof Blue, while those seeking a richer typing experience may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro. In either case, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile will help users make an informed decision based on their personal preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Dustproof Blue has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Additionally, the Dustproof Blue requires a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams to bottom out. This indicates that the Dustproof Blue provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier key press. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch. The longer travel distance of the Dustproof Blue switch might provide a more satisfying tactile feedback when typing compared to the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro switch, while those seeking a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Dustproof Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Dustproof Blue 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 Dustproof Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor of sound quality, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile. The Dustproof Blue may offer a more neutral or traditional clicky switch sound, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a sharp and crisp sound, ideal for those who prefer a higher pitch in their typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Blue switch does not have a specific feel descriptor mentioned, whereas the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. These attributes highlight the smooth and effortless typing experience that these linear switches offer, with low actuation force, reduced finger fatigue, and a refined typing feel. The Dustproof Blue's tactile feel may provide a more traditional or standard keypress experience compared to the luxurious and comfortable typing experience provided by the V3 Silver Pro.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with an undefined sound profile and potentially more standard keypress feel, the Outemu Dustproof Blue could be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you desire a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and a range of luxurious feel descriptors such as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be a better fit. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a satisfying clicky sound, the Dustproof Blue would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a smoother, more refined typing experience tailored for gaming, the V3 Silver Pro would be the ideal option. Consider how you will be using your keyboard and what type of typing experience you value most to make the best decision for your needs.
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