Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Laurel mechanical keyboard switches, we encounter two distinct choices catering to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile experience with its poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth and bouncy feel that appeals to users looking for an audible feedback combined with a creamy sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel presents a linear switch with a medium-light feel, providing a short travel distance and a long pole design for a responsive and comfortable typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its accented and polished qualities, the Laurel boasts a low-pitched sound profile and snappy responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Laurel both offer unique sound profiles, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Laurel features POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a more muted and deeper sound profile overall.
Both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Laurel housing materials bring their own advantages to the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Laurel creates a unique and pleasing sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Laurel contributes to the deeper and more muted sound profile.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their composition, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound profile of the Laurel's POM housing, both switches offer different qualities that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted sound.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Laurel's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is also higher at 55 grams, while the Laurel has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more medium-light typing experience, whereas the Laurel provides a lighter feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel would be the better option, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, both switches offer different weight options that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect switch for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Laurel the longer of the two switches, albeit by a small margin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to those who prefer a more tactile and deeper keystroke experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the KTT Laurel will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, when comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we find that they each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile coupled with a creamy, tactile sensation, making it appealing for those who enjoy an audible feedback. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Laurel switch is noted for its snappy responsiveness, providing a lively typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Laurel switch, you can expect a high level of quality and performance based on their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation, along with a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy switch with a light bottom out force, the KTT Laurel is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you are looking for, whether it be lively and audible feedback or a balance of responsiveness and comfort. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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