Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Pine. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch known for its unique poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is also a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its medium-heavy feel and minimized friction for smooth key travel. While the Cream Black Pro is described as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Pine is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that make it appealing to different users based on personal preferences. 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
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Pine both share similar polycarbonate top housing materials, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches exhibit a clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard setup. However, while the housing materials for the top are the same, the bottom housings differ between the two switches.
The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. On the other hand, the Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. This distinction in bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Pine share similar polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housing materials differ. This contrast may lead to variations in sound profiles and typing experiences between the two switches. The choice of housing materials, whether polycarbonate, nylon, or another type of plastic, can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a keyboard switch. Ultimately, it is essential for keyboard enthusiasts to consider their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics when selecting switches with different housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Akko V3 has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Pine. The Akko V3 requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the KTT Pine only needs 45 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium switch. This means that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the KTT Pine offers a lighter typing experience, allowing users to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force, with the Akko V3 being the heavier option and the KTT Pine being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, which can be appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a bit more depth in each keystroke, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 produces a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, offering a distinct and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and rich sound profile, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the higher-pitched sound of the Akko switch or the bass-heavy sound of the Pine switch for their typing experience, noting that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its creamy and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and silky sensation as fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The switch is also described as bouncy and snappy, providing a lively and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Pine switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, delivering a seamless and uniform sensation with each keystroke. Both switches prioritize smoothness and effortless typing, making them ideal choices for individuals seeking a tactile and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch excel in providing smooth and high-quality typing experiences, they offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Akko switch stands out for its high-pitched sound and snappy feel, while the KTT Pine switch offers a bassy sound and buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, whether one prefers a sharper sound and bouncy feel or a richer sound and creamy sensation while typing. By selecting either switch, users can expect similar results in terms of overall smoothness and quality in their mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier keypress with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a high-pitched sound profile and a creamy, bouncy typing feel, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a medium bottom out force, a bassy or low-pitched sound profile, and a buttery, creamy typing feel, then the KTT Pine switch might be more suited to your tastes. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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