Outemu Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When looking at the Outemu Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the distinct differences in their characteristics. The Red switch is a linear switch, known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its unique design with long poles, providing a snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to typing. While the Red switch offers a straightforward linear feel, the V3 Piano Pro boasts a combination of bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky qualities. Choosing between these two switches may depend on your preference for a smooth and consistent typing experience with the Red, or a more tactile and auditory experience with the V3 Piano Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$3.10 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Red stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which also enhances the sound profile but with a different tonal quality compared to the Red's polycarbonate top housing.

While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the difference in their top housings significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red provides a distinctive sound when releasing a key, while the nylon top housing of the Akko V3 Piano Pro delivers its own unique sound profile. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that users will experience a blend of the characteristics each material brings to the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics and typing experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical switch. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, their top housing materials diverge in terms of sound characteristics. The sharp and crisp sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Red contrasts with the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the V3 Piano Pro. Regardless of these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the choice between them ultimately depending on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see some differences. The Outemu Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams, but both are in the medium range. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Red is heavier at 62 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Outemu Red offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a lighter feel when bottoming out. Whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience will depend on personal preference and how long you typically type or game for. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing consistency and performance.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red linear 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 terms of travel distance, the V3 Piano Pro is the shorter option compared to the Red switch. The slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gaming enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Red switch with its 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized by a clacky and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and lively typing experience with a clean and sharp sound. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Red providing a quieter option while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a more pronounced and engaging typing sound.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch is often described as smooth and consistent, providing a linear and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile bump. In comparison, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a variety of tactile sensations, including a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. These qualities contribute to a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, with each keystroke offering a different tactile feedback for enhanced comfort and satisfaction.

Overall, both the Outemu Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Outemu Red switch is favored for its quiet and consistent typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy and resonant sound signature, as well as its varied tactile options. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal taste and typing style. Ultimately, trying out each switch firsthand is the best way to determine which one suits your preferences the most.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a linear mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Red linear switch would be a solid choice. However, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a snappy sound signature with smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch may be more to your liking. The Red is known for its simplicity, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a unique auditory charm with its long pole design. The Red switch remains relatively quiet, while the V3 Piano Pro switch produces a clacky and resonant sound. When it comes to the feel, the Red switch does not have any specific descriptors, whereas the V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force in order to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preference.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more