KTT Ash Gray vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro each offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Ash Gray is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes a balance between being substantial yet unobtrusive; this switch features a light touch and crisp actuation that allows users to type with comfort and ease without the distraction of an overwhelming tactile bump. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a pronounced tactile bump that delivers an invigorating feedback, complemented by a louder, bass-heavy sound signature that can enhance the experience for those who enjoy auditory cues while typing. While the Ash Gray is ideal for those seeking a more neutral and mild feel, the Creamy Purple Pro is perfect for individuals who prefer a stronger tactile sensation and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro are both equipped with polycarbonate top housings, leading to comparable sound characteristics and performance in this regard. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which gives off a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As both switches feature this material, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing the keys, especially in environments that utilize RGB lighting where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal. The clear nature of the polycarbonate housed in both switches serves to elevate the light dispersion, making colorful effects more vivid and engaging for the user.
Contrasting the top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces another layer of similarity between the two. Nylon is a classic switch housing material recognized for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This consistency in housing material means that, regardless of the distinct aesthetics or color options of the KTT Ash Gray and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, users can anticipate a similar depth of sound when bottoming out the keys, adding to the overall typing experience.
In terms of how these materials work together, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms across both switch types reinforces their respective characteristics. The high-pitched clarity provided by the polycarbonate top housing complements the deeper resonant tones produced by the nylon bottom housing. When typing, the distinct sound profile each material brings contributes to a balanced auditory experience. While the top housing influences the sound of a releasing key, the nylon bottom enhances the full-bodied nature of the keystroke, allowing both switches to deliver a well-rounded typing experience, despite their differing visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Ash Gray switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro presents a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Akko switch requires less force to both register a keystroke and to press all the way down, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Ash Gray's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer tactile feedback. Overall, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the KTT Ash Gray presents a heavier alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you're seeking quicker response times, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better option, as its shorter travel distance may facilitate faster actuation, catering well to gamers and those who favor responsiveness. On the other hand, the Ash Gray's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced and hearty feel when pressed, appealing to users who appreciate deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and responsiveness in typing and gaming experiences.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches, the Ash Gray presents a neutral sound that strikes a balance between being unobtrusive and noticeable. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, from home to office settings, as it doesn’t overpower with noise. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a robust acoustic signature characterized by its louder profile, complemented by deeper bass tones. This bold sound can be a delight for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing, although it may be less ideal for quieter working environments.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is designed to provide a gentle yet substantial tactile response, which allows for easy actuation and minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch’s engagement is mild, contributing to a comfortable and effortless typing experience without being overly aggressive or overwhelming. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a more invigorating tactile bump, which likely adds excitement for users who prefer a stronger feedback. However, specifics about the feel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro are not detailed, leaving room for interpretation based on personal preferences.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches provide distinct qualities appealing to different users. The Ash Gray is a well-rounded option for those seeking a neutral sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, making it versatile for various settings. Conversely, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro caters to individuals who appreciate a loud, bassy sound and a vibrant tactile response. Depending on your priorities—be it sound or tactile feedback—choosing between these switches will greatly impact your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a tactile switch that provides a balanced experience—offering substantial feedback without being overly aggressive—the KTT Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it responsive while still allowing for comfortable, prolonged typing sessions, which is perfect for both work and leisure. On the other hand, if you’re after a more pronounced tactile sensation and a distinctive sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the better option for you. With its light 50 grams of force and invigorating tactile bump, it provides a lively typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for gaming or when you want your keystrokes to be more pronounced. Ultimately, consider how the sound and feel of each switch aligns with your typing habits and what environment you'll be using them in, as this will guide you toward the switch that will enhance your keyboard experience the most.
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