Outemu Green vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Green switch is a clicky switch, while the Piano Pro switch is linear. The Green switch is best known for its audible click with each keystroke, providing tactile feedback and a satisfying sound. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is praised for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to typing. The smooth actuation of the Piano Pro switch ensures a pleasing tactile experience. While the Green switch may appeal to those who enjoy the clicky sound, the Piano Pro switch offers a more polished and silky typing experience. 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
Standard
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
The Outemu Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. However, the Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the bottom housing. Therefore, while both switches have a nylon bottom housing, they differ in their choice of top housing material, leading to varying sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Green allows for translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This creates a visually appealing experience when coupled with the sharp and clear sound profile of the polycarbonate material. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of transparency or light diffusion, but it provides a deeper and fuller sound that some users may prefer for a more immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on individual preferences regarding sound profile and visual aesthetics.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience can be felt in the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. With the qualities of the nylon bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch for a customized typing setup to achieve the desired sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Green switch is heavier in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. The Outemu Green has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Green switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. On the other hand, the Piano Pro switch offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have different travel distances, with the Green having a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm. The Green's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers or individuals looking for faster input feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Green switch offering a longer and more tactile typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a shorter and quicker keystroke response.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Green switch is known for its unique clicky sound, which is loud and satisfying, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp and snappy sound profile that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Green switch leaning towards a traditional clicky sound and the V3 Piano Pro switch offering a more modern clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offer different tactile experiences. The Outemu Green switch's feel is not explicitly described in the provided information, but it is typically known for providing a tactile bump and a satisfying click during actuation, resulting in a tactile and clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The V3 Piano Pro switch aims to provide a pleasant tactile feel with a focus on smoothness and rebound, creating a typing experience that is both satisfying and comfortable.
Overall, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Green switch is known for its loud and satisfying clicky sound, the V3 Piano Pro switch provides a snappy and sharp sound signature with a focus on smoothness and rebound in feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer a traditional clicky switch like the Green or a modern linear switch like the V3 Piano Pro, both options have their own strengths that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a heavy bottom out force and is looking for a switch that provides a tactile and satisfying click with each keystroke, then the Outemu Green clicky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a smooth and linear typing experience with a snappy sound signature, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a clicky feedback or a smooth linear feel in your typing experience.
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