Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct qualities to consider. The Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, is known for its clickiness and falls under the category of tactile switches. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. The Piano Pro switches are grouped under characteristics such as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. Depending on your preference for auditory feedback and tactile feel, both switches have unique features that cater to different typing styles. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Spring Breeze and the Akko V3 Piano Pro in terms of housing materials, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will likely produce a duller and rounder sound when typing.
However, if we were to look closer at the differences, the key lies in how each housing material impacts the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing how the keys respond when fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housings, these subtle distinctions in how the material affects the typing experience can lead to variations in sound and feel between the Spring Breeze and the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, while both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Akko V3 Piano Pro use nylon for their housing materials, the way in which they are implemented can result in nuanced differences in the typing experience. Whether it be the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel or the top housing affecting the sound when letting go of a key, these variations can lead to unique typing experiences for users of each switch. Ultimately, users may find that one switch suits their preferences and typing style better based on these subtle differences in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Spring Breeze is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro at 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, making them equally heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Spring Breeze for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the V3 Piano Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differences in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing feel, but the similar bottom out force ensures that users will get comparable results in the end.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky 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 this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Spring Breeze. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro may appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time, while the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for typing or gaming.
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 Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific sound characteristic well-known in the mechanical keyboard community. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized as "clacky" and "resonant", providing a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive, with a higher-pitched profile that enhances the typing experience. Depending on your preference, the Piano Pro switches offer a livelier auditory feedback compared to the Spring Breeze which lacks a distinctive sound feature.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific feel characteristic attributed to it. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as "bouncy", "creamy", "polished", and "silky". This means that the Piano Pro switches offer a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery typing experience, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. The inclusion of factory lubrication in the Piano Pro switches contributes to the overall polished and silky feel, resulting in a satisfying typing sensation that glides effortlessly.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch stands out for its snappy and lively sound signature, combined with a smooth and tactile feel that enhances the typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch lacks specific characteristics in both sound and feel, providing a more neutral typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, the Piano Pro linear switch offers a more dynamic and refined option for those seeking a combination of auditory charm and smooth key actuation. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Spring Breeze may not provide the same level of satisfaction as the Piano Pro linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying clicky sound, the Spring Breeze may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth actuation, along with a bouncy and creamy feel, the V3 Piano Pro could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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