Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf 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 Maple Leaf and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, providing a tangible bump upon actuation. While the specific features that it is best known for are not mentioned, its tactile nature can offer a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch tailored for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound. Known for being easy-to-press with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro provides a competitive edge in 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Maple Leaf and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature nylon bottom housings, which means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, where they differ is in the top housing material. The Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, while the V3 Silver Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the V3 Silver Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, as it is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This contrast in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects compared to the solid nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing lighting experience, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing may not provide the same level of visual interest when it comes to RGB lighting display. However, both switches still offer a unique typing experience with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deep and fuller sound profile while the top housing material affects the sharpness and clarity of the sound.
While the Nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar sound profile, the key difference lies in the material of the top housing. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muffled and rounded typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, catering to users who enjoy a clearer and more resonant typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences, whether it's a preference for a muffled sound with nylon housing or a crisper sound with polycarbonate housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Silver Pro is lighter in both aspects. The Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison to the V3 Silver Pro's actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Maple Leaf due to its heavier forces, while those who want a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may prefer the V3 Silver Pro. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The consistent travel distance ensures a similar typing experience with both switches, allowing for a comfortable and familiar feel for users. In terms of travel distance, both switches are equal in length, providing a reliable and consistent typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Maple Leaf 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 Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which is described as producing a high-pitched sound. The high-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro switch may be more crisp and sharp compared to the sound of the Maple Leaf switch, which could potentially be muffled or softer in comparison. Sound preference is highly subjective, so it is best to try out both switches in person to determine which sound profile you prefer for your typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch also lacks a specific descriptor, making it challenging to directly compare it to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch. The V3 Silver Pro switch is described as having an easy-to-press feel, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, the switch is also described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, all of which contribute to a smooth and comfortable typing experience. In contrast, without specific descriptors for the Maple Leaf switch, it is uncertain how it would compare in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, while the objective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel based on the provided information, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. For those who prefer a high-pitched sound and a smooth, low-impact typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch may be the preferred choice. However, if you are unsure which switch would best suit your typing style, experimenting with both switches firsthand is recommended to determine which one aligns more with your preferences. Whether you choose the Maple Leaf or the V3 Silver Pro, both switches provide quality options for enhancing your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and use case. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch with no specific specialization, the Maple Leaf might be the better choice for you. However, if you are a gamer seeking a switch optimized for gaming with a light actuation force and easy-to-press feel, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in terms of typing experience and usage.
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