Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the KTT Cream Yellow, a linear switch, it's important to consider the key characteristics of each. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is renowned for its affordability and quality in the mechanical keyboard realm, offering a poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth tactile sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy both audible feedback and a creamy feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. While the Cream Yellow switch may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced audio feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a solid choice for users seeking a balance between sound and feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Cream Yellow, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically pleasing option for users looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both keyboards differ, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro featuring a nylon bottom housing while the KTT Cream Yellow also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder typing experience, giving users a different tactile feel when pressing down on the keys of each keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials for each keyboard plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While both keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, the differing bottom housings contribute to unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. Users can expect a sharper and higher-pitched sound from the V3 Cream Blue Pro with its nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Cream Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Whether preferring a crisper or more rounded typing experience, both keyboards provide distinct qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch with 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly lighter force of 55 grams, while the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better option. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cream Yellow switch. Both switches offer a medium level of force, providing a balanced typing experience that can suit various preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. The Cream Yellow switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Blue Pro, which may provide a slightly deeper key press feeling. However, the 0.2mm difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant enough to noticeably affect typing or gaming performance. Ultimately, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times. Whether you choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the KTT Cream Yellow, you can expect similar results in key press feeling due to their relatively close travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Blue Pro switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound with a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem for resonant audio feedback. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that it provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, has a lively feel with rebound when pressed, is super responsive due to the longer or dual-staged springs, and offers a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation for a lively typing feel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal more to those who prefer a smoother and more refined feel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch and the KTT Cream Yellow switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch provides a poppy and clacky sound with a creamy, tactile sensation, as well as a medium amount of tactility and a smooth typing experience, the KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a highly satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options within a budget for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Cream Yellow switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, accompanied by a smooth tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that produces a sharp and snappy sound with a uniquely bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow may be more suited to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and overall keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what features matter most to you.
Mentioned in this article
