Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Kiwi mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi features a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a satisfyingly snappy sound profile for an immersive typing experience. While the Akko switch is more bouncy and snappy, the TKC switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Kiwi both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Kiwi uses UHWMPE for its top housing, providing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While their top housings differ in material, both switches offer a distinct and clear sound profile that enhances the typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches deliver a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Kiwi will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for a sharp and deep sound profile, the Kiwi showcases the bright sound signature of UHWMPE in both top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a brighter, resonant clack, both switches provide unique options for customizing your typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is 55 grams, lighter than the Kiwi's 67 grams, making the Kiwi the heavier option overall. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more medium-light typing experience, while the Kiwi provides a medium-heavy feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being the lighter option and the TKC Kiwi being the heavier option, suitable for different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro falls in between the traditional 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm travel distances, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro catering to those who prefer a slightly shorter distance while the TKC Kiwi is aimed at those who enjoy a longer travel distance experience.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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 V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a satisfyingly snappy sound that enhances the typing experience. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation that is not overwhelming while providing smooth and refined key travel. In comparison, the Kiwi switches offer a stepped, accented, and polished feel, with a mild two-stage tactile feedback that is smooth and refined for a seamless typing experience.
Overall, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a lively and audible typing experience with a creamy, tactile sensation, while the Kiwi switches offer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press with a snappy and immersive sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, providing users with unique options to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force, a poppy and clacky sound profile, and a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switch could be the better fit. Consider the type of sound and feel you prefer in a switch, as well as your typing habits, to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that resonates with you the most.
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