Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Cream Black Pro V3 stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound alongside smoothness. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is praised for its subtlety and finesse, providing a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel. While the Cream Black Pro V3 is described as 'creamy', 'high-pitched', and 'bouncy', the Mallo is characterized as 'feathery', 'mild', and 'neutral'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards. However, despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housings, they may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as switch design and keycap material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Mallo utilize nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. While the nylon bottom housing of these switches may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound, small variations in design or materials can still affect the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mallo plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound, subtle differences in design and manufacturing may still result in unique typing experiences for each switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer a crisper sound from a polycarbonate top housing or a fuller sound from a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer quality construction and customizable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Black Pro is 65 grams, making it heavier than the Mallo's 55 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Mallo offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feedback and force requirements. If someone prefers a lighter touch, they may opt for the KTT Mallo, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Mallo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a quick and responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Mallo offers a more substantial keypress depth, which some may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch presents a neutral and subdued sound, making it a versatile choice for various environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. The choice between these two switches would ultimately depend on the user's preference for sound, as well as the additional factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material which can influence the overall sound produced.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics which offer a smooth and responsive typing experience with reduced friction. Conversely, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, providing a light and gentle typing feel with a subtle tactile feedback that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, the decision between them would be based on the user's preference for typing feel, whether they enjoy a more pronounced or subtle feedback during typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Black Pro switch boasts a high-pitched and creamy typing sound with a bouncy and snappy tactile feel, catering to those who prefer a more vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and mild typing feel, appealing to users seeking a lighter and more subtle tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and ultimately, choosing between them would depend on the individual's personal preferences for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when making a decision between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the key factors that differentiate these two options. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a creamy, bouncy, and snappy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo features a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, delivering a feathery, mild, and subtle typing feel with a subdued and neutral sound. If you value a smooth, high-quality switch with a unique sound profile, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more gentle tactility and a versatile sound signature suitable for various environments, the Mallo could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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