Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch known for its reliability and durability. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch specifically designed for gamers, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound. The Dustproof Brown provides a satisfying tactile feedback, while the V3 Silver Pro features a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. 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
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This similarity means that they will both have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, contributes to a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. Overall, these switches will have a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Dustproof Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches will share the characteristics of a softer bottom housing impacting the feel and sound of key presses, creating a unique typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are the same, their differing bottom housing materials create subtle variations in sound and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of each switch creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of different housing materials that impact the overall sound and feel of key presses.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a higher 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 Dustproof Brown requires 65 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams. This makes the V3 Silver Pro lighter overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro, as it allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, ideal for those who prefer a more tactile feedback and resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the V3 Silver Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dustproof Brown with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Dustproof Brown providing a deeper keypress and the V3 Silver Pro offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two 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 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
When comparing the sound of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is important to note that the Dustproof Brown switch is known for None, while the V3 Silver Pro is known for a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience, with the Dustproof Brown likely offering a quieter typing experience compared to the more audible V3 Silver Pro.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. Unfortunately, specific information regarding the feel of the Dustproof Brown switch is not available. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. These qualities suggest that the V3 Silver Pro switch provides a smooth, light, and low-impact typing experience that may be preferred by those looking for comfort and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that they offer different qualities that cater to various preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a quieter typing experience, the Dustproof Brown switch may be the better option. However, if you value a responsive, light, and smooth typing feel with a more audible sound profile, the V3 Silver Pro switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch would be a good choice. However, if you are a gamer in need of a switch with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming experience. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly.