Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and KTT Grapefruit mechanical keyboard switches offer unique and desirable features for keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that is budget-friendly and provides a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile, along with smoothness and a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch known for its soft and light feel, along with a deep yet neutral sound profile. Both switches offer different experiences, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a more accentuated and bouncy feel while the Grapefruit offers a polished and low-pitched experience. 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
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Grapefruit feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes both switches ideal for users looking for a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing as well. The similarities in the top housing material of both switches suggest that users can expect similar sound and aesthetic benefits when using either one.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Grapefruit differ in their bottom housing material, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizing a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating 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 sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality in bottom housing material between the two switches suggests that users can expect comparable sound qualities when using either one.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Grapefruit will influence the sound and feel of each keystroke. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect distinct tactile and auditory feedback when using these switches, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, and the KTT Grapefruit offering a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them light switches in terms of actuation force. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Grapefruit's 53 grams, making it a slightly heavier option overall. This means that while both switches may feel similarly light when initially pressing the key, the V3 Cream Blue Pro will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired actuation and bottom out forces for the typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch provides a bit more depth and cushioning with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer their own advantages, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are praised for their distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, which offers a harmonious blend of liveliness and audible feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound profile that is described as "baritone" but not yet "bass" deep. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a more lively and tactile feedback while the Grapefruit offers a softer and lighter sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are highly regarded for their accented tactile sensation that is described as a "medium tactile" experience. These switches are also noted for their bouncy and snappy feel, providing users with a responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Cream Blue Pro switches are polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches are also polished, offering users a sleek typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches provide a polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and the KTT Grapefruit switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro switches stand out for their poppy and tactile sound profile, along with their accented tactile feel and bouncy, snappy keystrokes. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switches feature a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel that ensures smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their individual preferences. If you prefer a more lively and tactile experience, the Cream Blue Pro switches are a great choice, while the Grapefruit switches offer a softer and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light type feel with a deep sound profile and smooth key travel, the Grapefruit may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. Happy typing!
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