Outemu Phoenix vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Phoenix stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a distinctive, crystalline sound profile that is both crunchy and polished. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is recognized for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a unique clicky feel or a lively, crisp keystroke, you may choose the Phoenix or the Piano Pro. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Phoenix and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the Phoenix features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate housing of the Phoenix offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Conversely, the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer composition, which absorbs more sound to create a rounder sound. Both materials impact the sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Phoenix and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique qualities in their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Phoenix creates a clear and resonant sound, particularly fitting for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro generates a more mellow and absorbing sound, contributing to a fuller sound profile. While the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the typing experience, with the stiffness of polycarbonate affecting the bottom-out sound and the softness of nylon contributing to the overall feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Phoenix and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. The polycarbonate housing of the Phoenix offers a sharp and clear sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more muted and rounded typing feel. Both switches showcase the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Phoenix has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unknown, while the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Phoenix. The Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it heavier than the V3 Piano Pro, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Phoenix provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have medium actuation forces, but the Phoenix is heavier overall compared to the medium-light V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 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 Phoenix. However, both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you prioritize a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Phoenix with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a keystroke that feels more substantial and has a bit more depth to it, the V3 Piano Pro with its slightly longer travel distance could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience you are looking for.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique "crunchy" typing experience, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as "clacky" and "resonant," producing a sharp and snappy sound that is clean and bright. Both switches provide distinct auditory qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and use case.
In terms of feel, the Phoenix switch is characterized as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a "bouncy," "creamy," "polished," and "silky" feel, providing a spring-like rebound, buttery smoothness, and refined typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable tactile feedback for users to appreciate during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Phoenix offers a crunchy typing sound and a polished typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound with bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile sensations. Depending on individual preferences and typing styles, users can choose between these switches to match their desired sound and feel requirements for an optimized mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches would provide similar results in terms of versatility and satisfaction, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a unique crystalline sound profile, the Phoenix switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound (crunchy vs. clacky and resonant) and feel (polished vs. bouncy, creamy, and silky). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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