Outemu Purple vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as top contenders. The Purple is best known for its tactile feel, providing users with a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is specifically engineered for gamers, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a pleasing bassy sound. While the Purple is categorized as a tactile switch, the V3 Silver Pro falls under the linear switch category, known for being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, high-pitched, polished, and silky. Both switches have their unique strengths and advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard. Both keyboards provide a similar experience in terms of sound quality and visual appeal through their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Outemu Purple features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a more rounded and duller sound when typing. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both keyboards allows for a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing, providing a varied typing experience for users.
The impact of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch is evident in the typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing the key. This split in housing materials ensures that users can enjoy a diverse range of tactile and auditory feedback when typing on either the Outemu Purple or the Akko V3 Silver Pro keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Purple requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The Purple switch does not provide information on the bottom out force, while the V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro would be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the higher actuation force of the Outemu Purple may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the Purple boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. This makes the Purple switch suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress experience, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro makes it a preferred choice for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize depth in keypress or swift responsiveness in your typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
The Outemu Purple 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 Purple tactile switch does not have a specific reputation, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile. The V3 Silver Pro switches offer a satisfyingly bassy sound with each keystroke, creating an immersive typing experience, especially for gamers who enjoy a sharp and distinctive auditory feedback. However, it is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks a defined characteristic, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing typing comfort. The creamy and silky sensation of the V3 Silver Pro switches creates a luxurious and refined typing feel, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions in gaming, school, or work settings.
In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch lacks specific attributes in sound and feel, the V3 Silver Pro switch is renowned for its high-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing feel. Depending on personal preference and usage scenarios, both switches provide unique advantages that can enhance the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, with both switches offering a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing or gaming experience. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a creamy or silky feel, the V3 Silver Pro switches with their easy-to-press and feathery qualities may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value the responsiveness and tactile feedback of a switch with none grams bottom out force and are looking for a high-pitched sound profile, the Outemu Purple tactile switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of your typing or gaming setup.
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