Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point and exceptional smoothness, accompanied by a distinct poppy and clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch shines with its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a smooth and creamy typing experience. While the Akko switch is praised for its bouncy and snappy feel, the KTT switch offers a buttery and marbly sensation. Both switches boast high-pitched sound signatures, but the KTT switch offers a more resonant tone. Ultimately, each switch has its own strengths and unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see distinct differences in their compositions and resulting sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound, particularly in combination with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate leans towards a more resonant sound, while the KTT blend focuses on a unique clacky sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Black Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, which is exceptionally smooth, clacky, and durable. The POK material's higher coefficient of friction contributes to a smoother typing experience, surpassing Nylon in shock resistance and wear resistance. While both bottom housings aim to enhance typing experience, they each offer unique qualities in sound profile, smoothness, and durability.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile, feel, and aesthetics. While the V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched, clacky sound with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing for smoothness and durability. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, one key difference is in their 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 more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The V3 Cream Black Pro would be better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be a preferred choice for those who enjoy a lighter actuation force. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch being slightly longer. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the key press feel and responsiveness 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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards a high-pitched and clacky profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a combination of high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sounds, creating a distinctive typing sound signature that sets it apart. When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with responsive feedback. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will boil down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both options promise a quality typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and appreciate a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound with a buttery typing sensation, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different personal preferences, so it's essential to consider what factors matter most to you when making your selection.
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