Outemu Gold vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold 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 Gold and Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct experiences for users. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch known for its unique sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch specifically engineered for gamers, providing smooth keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. While the Gold switch offers a satisfying click with each press, the V3 Silver Pro boasts an easy-to-press feel and shortened travel distance, ideal for competitive gaming where speed is crucial. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold and Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which give them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. As a result, both switches offer a similar sound experience with the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of bottom housings, the Outemu Gold utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This demonstrates how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, while both the Outemu Gold and Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in their bottom housing materials, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a consistent sharp and clear sound profile for both switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the overall performance and aesthetics of these mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Outemu Gold switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch. For those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Outemu Gold switch would be the better choice, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch to allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is 4.0 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold switch. The Gold switch, with its 4.0 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional key press feel, while the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance caters to those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro for quicker response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press sensation may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Outemu Gold 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 Gold 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 Gold switch is known for its undefined sound profile, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is known for producing a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a sharper sound, the V3 Silver Pro switch may be more to your liking. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold switch's tactile experience is unspecified, whereas the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. This means that the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a smooth, low-impact typing experience with minimal resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be a suitable choice.
Considering both the sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Gold switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offer distinct typing experiences. While the Gold switch lacks specific descriptors in sound and feel, the V3 Silver Pro switch boasts a high-pitched and crisp sound profile along with a smooth and effortless typing feel. If you are looking for a switch with an emphasis on clicky feedback and sound, the Gold switch may provide a different tactile experience compared to the smoother, more polished feel of the V3 Silver Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and are looking for a switch specifically engineered for gaming with smooth keystrokes and a pleasing sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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