Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique features and characteristics. The Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who work or game in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features the Piano Pro switches, which are designed with a long pole to create a snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Additionally, the Piano Pro switches offer a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. While the Silent Yellow may be preferred for its silence, the V3 Piano Pro is ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience for users of both switches. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches shares similar acoustic properties, the differences in their top housings contribute contrasting sound profiles.
The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches that prioritize a distinct sound output. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone, resulting in a softer and more muted typing experience. These differences in top housing materials highlight the importance of housing composition in determining the overall sound signature of a switch.
While both switches exhibit differences in their top and bottom housing materials, they ultimately offer unique typing experiences to users. The split qualities of the housing materials affect the sound profile when pressing down on the switch and when releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, users can expect a similar level of quality and innovation from both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, as they combine different housing materials to create distinct sound profiles tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options for users. The Silent Yellow switch is heavier with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the difference in weight makes them cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is 4.0mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. This means that the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. A longer travel distance may result in a more satisfying keystroke for some users, providing a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers or those looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the choice between them ultimately depending on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will result in different typing experiences but will still provide similar functionality.
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 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 switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is recognized for its lively and snappy sound signature, adding a crisp and vibrant quality to each key press. The Piano Pro switch offers a more audible and engaging typing experience compared to the almost silent operation of the Silent Yellow switch. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks a specific description, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for providing a bouncy and lively typing sensation. The keys on the Piano Pro switch offer a spring-like feedback, giving users a sense of rebound with each press. Additionally, the Piano Pro switch is described as creamy and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that feels like gliding effortlessly across the keys. The silky sensation of the Piano Pro switch minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness compared to the unknown feel of the Silent Yellow switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience, the Piano Pro switch stands out for its lively and snappy sound signature alongside a bouncy and smooth typing feel. By choosing the Silent Yellow switch, users can expect a silent operation, while opting for the Piano Pro switch provides an engaging and smooth typing experience with a touch of auditory charm. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will have a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a silent operation and do not prioritize sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a snappy and lively sound signature, along with a smooth and bouncy typing experience, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and priorities.
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