Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly quality, offering a poppy and clacky sound profile with smooth tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy an audible and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Yellow Silver differ in their bottom housings, with the former using nylon and the latter also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will offer a unique typing experience and sound profile due to the differing bottom housings.
When it comes to how these housing materials impact the overall typing experience, it's important to note that each housing material contributes different qualities to the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound produced when a key is released. Users can expect a combination of the sharper, resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing in both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Yellow Silver switches, ensuring a unique and satisfying typing experience for each.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch reveals that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them both medium-light in terms of force required. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force with either switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro may have a more tactile feel due to its design, while the Yellow Silver may provide a smoother linear experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a lightweight typing experience suitable for long periods of typing or gaming. Users looking for a heavier push feel may need to consider other switches with a higher actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a shorter distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their respective travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively auditory experience that is combined with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch boasts a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice suitable for various applications without being too loud or too quiet. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering but still provides a satisfying feedback. The keys feel lively and provide a smooth typing experience due to the polished finish. As for the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, there is currently no specific information available regarding its tactile feel characteristics.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch stands out for its unique sound profile and tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a lively typing experience with a smooth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and is suitable for those looking for a switch with a light actuation force and responsiveness. Both switches provide different qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback combined with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a light actuation force for speediness and responsiveness in gaming or typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the specific use case for your mechanical keyboard.
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