Outemu Silent Grey vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct features worth considering. The Silent Grey switch is renowned for its quiet and tactile typing experience, providing a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for satisfying yet noise-free use. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, delivering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Silent Grey switch caters to those seeking a silent yet tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro switch appeals to users looking for a more auditory charm and bouncy feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the main difference lies in the materials used. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This contrast in materials not only affects the sound produced by the switches but also influences the aesthetics, with the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Grey being translucent for RGB lighting purposes, while the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a more classic look.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Grey and the V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for this component. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder tone. With both switches having the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom-out sound and impact. However, the differences in the top housing materials will still play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches, with the stiffer polycarbonate of the Silent Grey offering a crisper sound when keys are released, compared to the softer nylon of the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, while both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon bottom housings for a similar typing experience, their differing top housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, enhanced by its translucency for RGB effects, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound with a more classic look. Whether users prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone will depend on their personal preferences and typing style.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch differ in weight, with the Silent Grey being heavier. The Silent Grey requires 50 grams of force to actuate a key and 65 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, resulting in a medium-light feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Grey for its heavier forces. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, ensuring similar results in terms of performance despite their differing actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see that the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being the more standard option, the difference of 0.5 mm may be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro, while those who enjoy a deeper key press feel may lean towards the Silent Grey. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Grey 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 Grey switch is known for its quiet and subdued typing experience, perfect for those who prefer minimal noise during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by a lively and crisp sound profile, adding a touch of liveliness to each keystroke. Whether you prefer a silent typing experience or enjoy the audible feedback of a snappy switch, both options offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile and smooth typing experience with a pronounced bump, providing satisfying feedback with every key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a range of sensations from spring-like feedback to a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches ensure a pleasurable tactile experience, but the Silent Grey focuses more on the tactile bump while the Piano Pro offers a variety of tactile sensations for users to enjoy.
Taking into consideration the information provided, the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience with the Silent Grey or enjoy the lively sound and varied tactile feedback of the Piano Pro, both switches provide distinct characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is important to consider your priorities in typing experience. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, along with a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference in typing feel and sound, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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