Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro present two distinct options to consider. The Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch renowned for its quiet yet satisfying typing experience, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound and smooth actuation. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that when it comes to the sound profile and feel of typing on these switches, users can expect a similar experience. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it's the Silent Yellow Jade or the V3 Piano Pro, typing on these switches will likely provide a satisfying typing experience.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the design and construction of the housing may vary slightly between the two. This can have an impact on the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. For example, the Silent Yellow Jade may have a slightly different bottom housing design compared to the V3 Piano Pro, leading to differences in bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the top housing of each switch may have subtle differences that impact the sound when releasing a key. While both switches offer a similar typing experience due to the nylon housing, these slight variations in design may lead to nuanced differences in overall performance.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. While both switches feature nylon housing that produces a deep and full sound profile, the slight differences in design between the two can lead to variations in typing feel and sound. Users looking for a specific bottom-out sound or feel may prefer one switch over the other based on these subtle differences in housing design. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience thanks to the nylon housing material that enhances the overall sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch differ slightly in weight, with the Silent Yellow Jade being the heavier of the two. The Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches, however, offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 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 slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the longer travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro potentially feeling more substantial or deliberate compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 Yellow Jade 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 Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, characterized by a unique punchy tactile bump. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its snappy and clacky sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The choice between these switches will largely depend on personal preference for sound, with the Silent Yellow Jade offering a quieter typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, but specific descriptors for its feel are unknown. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. This indicates that the V3 Piano Pro switch may offer a more refined and luxurious typing feel compared to the Silent Yellow Jade.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch will ultimately come down to personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a switch with a snappy and lively sound accompanied by a smooth and buttery typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch could be the ideal option for you. Both switches offer unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature and a smooth yet lively tactile feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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