KTT Ash Gray vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch known for its light touch and crisp actuation, providing a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback without feeling overwhelming. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth and creamy tactile sensation. While the Ash Gray is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the V3 Cream Blue Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the difference in material comes with the nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray and the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound sensation.
While both the Ash Gray and the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilize polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the distinction comes with the nylon bottom housing of each switch. This split between top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more dynamic and nuanced typing experience, where each housing material contributes to different aspects of the switch's overall sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics and performance, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Ash Gray and the V3 Cream Blue Pro provide a visually appealing and functional element for switches intended for RGB lighting. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches offers a contrasting sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This combination of materials highlights the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience, where the qualities of each material impact the sound and feel of the switch in distinct ways. Ultimately, whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a blend of materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch are both in the medium-light range. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Ash Gray is 53 grams, slightly lighter than the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 55 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch may be more suitable for those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch may offer a slightly firmer and more substantial feel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience for extended periods, but the slight differences in force may cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Ash Gray offers a bit more depth in its travel. If you're looking for a switch with a slightly longer travel distance that still provides a quick response, the Ash Gray may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more immediate feel when typing, the Cream Blue Pro's slightly shorter travel distance could be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for the slight difference in depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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 KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer different experiences. The Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and other factors like keyboard and keycaps choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is praised for its easy-to-press and mild characteristics, offering a gentle resistance and a low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback with a spring-like rebound sensation and a smooth typing experience. While the Ash Gray switch focuses on a gentle and effortless typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a more dynamic and tactile feedback for users who prefer a more responsive typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Ash Gray switch excels in providing a light touch with a crisp actuation, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch delights users with a distinctive sound profile and a blend of tactile sensations. Whether you prefer a neutral and easy-to-press switch or an accented and bouncy switch, both options offer quality and performance within their respective characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light touch with a crisp actuation and a tactile response that is not too overwhelming, the Ash Gray switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and sound feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and preferences before making your selection.
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