Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver are both popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering their own unique advantages. The V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu boasts a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While the V3 Piano Pro is appreciated for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Yellow Silver switch is favored for its neutrality. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Outemu Yellow Silver, one notable difference is in the top housing. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer nature. While the V3 Piano Pro's top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound experience, especially beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Yellow Silver opt for nylon material. This choice results in a similar effect for both switches, with typing on nylon bottom housings eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Despite their similarities in bottom housing material, the differences in top housing between the two switches lead to distinct sound profiles overall. While the bottom housing's impact is felt during key presses for both switches, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when keys are released.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in the sound profile and typing experience. The nylon top and bottom housings of the V3 Piano Pro create a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver offers a sharper and crisper sound experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between switches that utilize different housing materials to achieve their desired typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them equally medium-light in terms of weight. This means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the amount of force required to press the keys. The actuation force determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches provide a balanced weight that caters to a wide range of preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Piano Pro has a shorter distance of 3.5mm compared to the Yellow Silver's 4mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. Those who prioritize faster response times and a more abrupt feel may prefer the V3 Piano Pro, while those who prefer a more traditional and deeper typing experience may lean towards the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 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 Piano Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, characterized by a sharp, snappy sound profile that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users, including gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used in conjunction with them.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a range of sensations including bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feedback. These descriptions indicate a switch that provides a spring-like bounce, smooth and buttery keystrokes, refined finish for reduced friction, and an exceptionally smooth typing experience respectively. However, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is not available, so it is recommended to try them out to determine how they compare in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, coupled with a variety of tactile sensations that enhance the typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and light actuation force that may appeal to users looking for a balance between speed and responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences and requirements, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, although the choice may ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the characteristics that matter most to you. If you value a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what matters most in your typing experience.
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