Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Glimp offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that is beloved for its poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth feel, and harmonious tactile sensation. It is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who enjoy a lively and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp is a linear switch that provides a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force. It offers a satisfying typing feel with a clacky sound profile. While both switches have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Glimp both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar experience in terms of sound quality.
The difference in housing materials between the V3 Cream Blue Pro and Glimp lies in their bottom housings. While both switches utilize nylon for this component, the properties of nylon as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics are evident in the deep and full sound profile produced when typing on these switches. This difference in material for the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound and feel of each switch. With the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, the bottom housing's impact is felt more during the keypress, resulting in a unique typing experience. Similarly, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing influences the sound during typing, creating a more muted and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Glimp play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create sharp and crisp sounds, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches adds depth and fullness to the overall sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials offers users a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it is apparent that both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be significant enough for most users to notice, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as switch type or sound profile rather than force differences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3mm, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. Comparing the two, the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance than the Glimp linear switch. The difference may seem minor, but for those who prefer a faster response time, the Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a slightly deeper travel, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a shorter travel distance and the Glimp providing a slightly longer one.
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 Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that provides a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches provide an enjoyable sound experience, with the Cream Blue Pro being more poppy and the Glimp being more sharp and percussive.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a tactile sensation that is smooth and refined. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that is gentle and approachable. Both switches offer a satisfying and responsive feel, with the Cream Blue Pro being more bouncy and polished while the Glimp offers a silky sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Glimp switches provide a quality typing experience within their respective tactile and linear categories. While the Cream Blue Pro offers a more poppy sound profile and a bouncy, polished feel, the Glimp provides a sharp and snappy sound with a creamy, mild typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver on their promises of a satisfying tactile or linear typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy similar results regardless of which option they choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a lively, clacky sound profile and a tactile sensation that is harmoniously paired with a creamy feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a satisfying and responsive typing experience with a slightly gentler sound profile, the Glimp switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and smoothness within a medium-light bottom out force range, so it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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