Outemu Ocean vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean 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 Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, offer unique experiences for users. The Ocean switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when each key is pressed. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Ocean switch is perfect for those who prefer a tactile feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch caters to users who enjoy a more linear 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Ocean featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the V3 Piano Pro has a nylon housing for both the top and bottom. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it ideal for switches that make use of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will be affected by the nylon housing material, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. However, the top housing material of the Ocean and the V3 Piano Pro will play a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean delivering a sharper sound compared to the rounder sound of the nylon top housing in the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Outemu Ocean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides distinct sound profiles for each switch. While the Ocean offers a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing throughout. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the bottom housing material contributing to the overall sound profile, while the top housing material influences the sound on key release. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro is 55 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro would be the ideal choice as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Ocean offering a heavier keypress and the V3 Piano Pro providing a lighter touch, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean. With a difference of 0.5 mm between the two, the Ocean offers a slightly longer key press experience. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying key press for others. Both switches offer unique travel distances that cater to different preferences, with the Ocean providing a bit more depth in the key press compared to the V3 Piano Pro.
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 Ocean 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 Ocean tactile switch and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Ocean switch is known for its sound profile, which is currently unknown, while the Piano Pro switch is described as producing a snappy and clacky sound that adds a lively, crisp quality to typing. The resonant nature of the Piano Pro switch also provides an immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ocean tactile switch and the V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer different tactile sensations. The Ocean's feel is currently unspecified, whereas the Piano Pro switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy feel. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like feedback sensation, while creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the polished and silky qualities of the Piano Pro switch indicate a refined finish and exceptionally smooth typing feel, respectively. These qualities contribute to a pleasant tactile experience while typing.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provide unique qualities in both sound and feel. While the Ocean's sound and feel remain undefined, the Piano Pro switch is praised for its snappy and clacky sound signature along with a bouncy, creamy, polished and silky tactile experience. If a user prefers a sharp and lively sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the Piano Pro switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, deciding between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience an individual is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you would want to choose the Ocean if you are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None and your main focus is on a specific characteristic of the switch that is not mentioned here. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 55 grams and are interested in a switch known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch would provide you with a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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