Outemu Silent Green vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there are distinct differences in their features and characteristics. The Silent Green is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is recognized for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The Piano Pro switches are also praised for their smooth actuation, providing a satisfying tactile experience. While the Silent Green may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing option, the V3 Piano Pro may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see that the Silent Green features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both components. The polycarbonate material used in the Silent Green results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound profile achieved with nylon in the V3 Piano Pro. Polycarbonate's stiffness lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting, while nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Interestingly, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom components of a switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing. For the Silent Green, the polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to the sharper, crisper sound upon bottoming out a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, with the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing, the bottom housing provides a fuller sound profile during typing, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is let go. This split in housing materials highlights how different plastics can offer distinct acoustic characteristics to enhance the typing experience.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. While the Silent Green with its polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and more resonant typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, understanding how the top and bottom housing materials interact with each other can help users customize their typing experience to suit their preferences, whether they prefer a crisper sound or a softer, more rounded typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Silent Green has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it heavier compared to the V3 Piano Pro, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter. In terms of weight, some may prefer the Silent Green for a more substantial typing experience, while others may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for a lighter feel that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Overall, while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the slight difference in bottom out force can provide users with varied preferences for their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm distance is more traditional, providing a deeper press compared to the 3.5mm distance which is shallower. Gamers may prefer the V3 Piano Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more hearty press may opt for the Silent Green switch. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Silent 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 Silent Green switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a typing experience that is less likely to disturb others in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by a clacky and resonant sound profile, offering a more vibrant and lively auditory feedback with each key press. While the Silent Green is designed for silence, the V3 Piano Pro adds a level of audial engagement that some users may prefer for a more dynamic typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch is known for its tactile smoothness during actuation, offering a consistent and gentle keystroke. On the flip side, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, delivering a variety of tactile sensations ranging from spring-like feedback to smooth and buttery key presses. This array of tactile qualities caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose a typing experience that suits their individual needs and preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Silent Green excels in providing a quiet typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its lively sound signature and diverse tactile sensations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize silence and smoothness or prefer a clacky and engaging typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance your overall typing experience, providing satisfactory results in their respective areas of expertise.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force switch with a smooth actuation and relatively quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force switch with a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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