Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, notable differences arise. The Dustproof Silent Ocean falls under the linear switch category, known for its quiet operation. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its unique Piano Pro switches that offer a snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Dustproof Silent Ocean is ideal for those seeking a silent typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro appeals to users looking for a bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky typing feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorption qualities of nylon. However, the top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing which produces a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in materials highlights how the choice of housing can significantly impact the overall sound of a mechanical keyboard.
When it comes to aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in the visual appeal of the keyboard. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a vibrant and eye-catching effect. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro may not offer the same level of customization when it comes to lighting options. This difference in material not only affects the sound profile but also enhances or limits the visual experience of using the keyboard, catering to different preferences and styles.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro allows for a unique typing experience. While both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings for a deep and full sound, the contrast between the polycarbonate and nylon top housings offers distinct sonic characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean produces a clear and resonant sound, whereas the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro creates a softer and more rounded sound. These differences provide users with options based on their preference for sound and aesthetics, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams, making it slightly heavier overall. This difference in bottom out force means that the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully press the key. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a lighter bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and potentially longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean being the heavier option and the V3 Piano Pro being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both offer different travel distances. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. In comparison, both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean with the shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more springiness and depth in your key presses, the Akko V3 Piano Pro with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results with minor differences in 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile that adds a lively and percussive quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is not specified, making it difficult to directly compare in terms of auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In regard to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a range of descriptors including bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, all contributing to a smooth and refined typing experience. The keys provide a spring-like feedback, a buttery sensation, reduced friction, and exceptional smoothness, respectively. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is not detailed, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback. Nonetheless, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience given their features and design.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is renowned for its snappy sound signature and a range of tactile descriptors such as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch in terms of sound and feel remain unspecified. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, ensuring that users will likely achieve similar results in terms of typing satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and prefer a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your choice.
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