Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is favored for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, providing a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound while maintaining a smooth feel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Cream Black Pro is known for its 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished' characteristics, the Sea Salt Lemon showcases a 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild' profile. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different typing 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting. However, while the top housing material is the same, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar sound experience to the V3 Cream Black Pro.
Despite both keyboards having similarities in their housing materials, the V3 Cream Black Pro's unique combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a distinct typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro's top housing contributes to the sharp and resonant sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's consistency in utilizing polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing maintains a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout typing.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both keyboards offer a high-pitched and crisp sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro's additional nylon bottom housing provides a unique and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing ensures a more uniform sound throughout typing. Ultimately, users may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro for a deeper sound profile or the Sea Salt Lemon for a consistent sharp sound.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a 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 Sea Salt Lemon offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. The weight of a switch is important as it can affect typing comfort and fatigue levels. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon for extended typing sessions, while individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Salt Lemon being more on the standard side, the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for fast and responsive keystrokes may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
Overall, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer different subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by its high-pitched sound profile, creamy and bouncy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a mild and gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. While the sound and feel of these switches may appeal to different individuals based on their preferences, both switches are designed to provide a quality typing experience. Whether you choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a similar level of quality and performance in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a low-pitched, mellow sound with a mild and approachable typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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