Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mint both offer unique experiences for users to enjoy. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch known for its creamy and high-pitched sound, bouncy feel, and snappy response. On the other hand, the KTT Mint also boasts a linear design but is characterized by its low-pitched sound, neutral feel, and polished texture. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is favored for its budget-friendly price and high-quality build, the KTT Mint stands out for its smooth typing experience and satisfying poppy thockiness. 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
2.00 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
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mint, we can see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. This material also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. With both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a similar sound profile and visual experience when typing on these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, we see a difference between the two keyboards. The V3 Cream Black Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. With both keyboards utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback.
While the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Mint differ in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are evenly distributed. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Users can expect a well-rounded typing experience with both keyboards, with the polycarbonate top housing providing a sharp sound profile and the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. The difference in weight between these two switches can impact typing comfort and preference. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mint for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier force of the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
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 Mint linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker key press response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for key press depth 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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 Cream Black Pro switch is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched and sharp sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a low-pitched and more bass-heavy tone, providing a mellower typing experience. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharper or a more mellow sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for providing a creamy and bouncy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and polished, offering a refined and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentler typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer smooth key travel and reduced friction, but the Akko switch may provide a livelier and more bouncy sensation compared to the KTT Mint switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Mint linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a high-pitched and sharp sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Akko switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and more bass-heavy tone with a mild and polished typing experience, the KTT Mint switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and it would come down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the KTT Mint linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfyingly smooth and light typing experience with a poppy thockiness, the Mint switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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