Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Grapefruit both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are ideal for budget-conscious individuals looking for high-quality performance. With a distinct poppy and clacky sound and smooth key feel, these switches are categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches stand out for their soft and light touch, coupled with a unique sound profile that is not quite bass but not fully treble either. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', these switches offer a different typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Grapefruit both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. However, while both switches share this same material for the top housing, they may differ in the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Grapefruit utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play for the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience. While both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Grapefruit share polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how each material contributes to the overall typing experience can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, one notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Grapefruit switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The difference in forces between the two switches can impact typing experiences, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more substantial push feel compared to the lighter touch of the Grapefruit switch. Ultimately, individuals may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro for a heavier typing experience or the Grapefruit for a lighter touch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances for mechanical switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Grapefruit. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Grapefruit with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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 V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing a unique poppy and clacky sound experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch gives a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, with a soft and light feel. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference in sound, whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and super responsiveness. Whereas the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is simply described as polished, emphasizing the sleek typing experience and smooth key travel. Both switches seem to deliver a polished and refined typing feel, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback while typing on them.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch stands out for its high-pitched and sharp sound profile, paired with a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a unique blend of sound and tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, along with a polished and smooth typing feel, suitable for those looking for a softer and gentler typing experience. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their own unique characteristics, and choosing between them would ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Grapefruit linear switches, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique poppy and clacky sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a soft and light feel and a deep sound profile, the Grapefruit may be more suitable for you. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro having additional descriptors like bouncy and snappy, while the Grapefruit is described as polished. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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