Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, some key differences become apparent. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its unique poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches offer a bouncy feel, low-pitched sound profile, and excellent factory lubing for enhanced smoothness. While the Cream Black Pro is known for its creamy and high-pitched characteristics, the Orange switch boasts a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
46g
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
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Orange, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro differs from the KTT Orange in its use of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Orange diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing materials may result in varying tactile experiences when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing will affect the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of each switch.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Orange showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. The distinct qualities brought by each housing material highlight the importance of material selection in creating unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro is heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Orange is lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Orange offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for typing feedback and intensity. Ultimately, the V3 Cream Black Pro will result in a more significant push feel, while the Orange will provide a smoother and lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant enough to noticeably impact typing or gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Orange switch will likely come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced and clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone, ideal for users who enjoy a quieter and more subdued typing sound. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference and typing environment.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a silky glide across the keys. Additionally, its bouncy and snappy feedback provides a lively and responsive keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the KTT Orange linear switch also delivers a bouncy feel, giving users a spring-like and elastic feedback when typing. Furthermore, its frictionless nature provides an effortless and smooth key travel, minimizing any sense of resistance and ensuring a fluid typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a tactile and engaging feel, catering to individuals who appreciate different levels of feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Orange linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they both prioritize quality and smoothness in their design. Depending on personal preferences for sound pitch and typing feel, users can choose between the high-pitched, creamy, and bouncy qualities of the Akko switch or the low-pitched, frictionless, and bouncy attributes of the KTT switch. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a premium typing experience with their distinct features and exceptional performance, leading to satisfying results for newcomers seeking reliable mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, and snappy typing feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, bouncy, and frictionless typing feel, the KTT Orange switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to test them out before making a decision.
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