Outemu Dustproof Green vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique characteristics to consider. The Dustproof Green is a clicky switch, while the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch. The Dustproof Green is best known for its tactile feedback, while the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The Dustproof Green is categorized as a tactile switch, whereas the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. If you value a clicky feel and audible feedback, the Dustproof Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a pleasing sound, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we find that the Dustproof Green features a polycarbonate top housing while the V3 Piano Pro has a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to nylon, which absorbs more sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Furthermore, both the Dustproof Green and the V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. While the top housing may contribute more to the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the different top housing materials, the similar choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro results in varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Green creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, leading to a consistent, deep sound profile during typing. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material selection in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is heavier compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Dustproof Green requires 65 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro only needs 45 grams for actuation and 55 grams for bottoming out, giving it a lighter and more responsive feel. Those who prefer a more substantial and clicky typing experience may lean towards the Dustproof Green, while those looking for a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may opt for the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Dustproof Green has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The Dustproof Green's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional key press feel with a bit more depth, while the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower and potentially faster key press. Gamers may prefer the V3 Piano Pro for its shorter travel distance and faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may lean towards the Dustproof Green. In general, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The Outemu Dustproof Green 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 Dustproof Green switch lacks specific descriptors, so it is difficult to provide a direct comparison with the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch. However, based on the information available, the V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its snappy and clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive. This characteristic adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, offering an immersive auditory experience for the user.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Green lacks specific descriptors, making it challenging to make a direct comparison with the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch. However, the V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction, and an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch may differ based on the limited information provided, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps will ultimately help determine which switch suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch without any specific standout features, the Dustproof Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are drawn to the snappy sound signature and smooth actuation of the Piano Pro switches, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider how you prioritize sound, feel, and typing experience when making your decision between these two switches.
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