Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Matcha mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with two excellent options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet quality construction, delivering a poppy and clacky sound profile that is both smooth and tactile. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha impresses with its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Matcha feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Matcha sticks to polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp and resonant sound throughout the switch's operation.
Even though both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their different bottom housing materials offer unique typing experiences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro with its nylon bottom housing will provide a more muted and rounder sound when bottoming out keys, contributing to a softer typing experience overall. Meanwhile, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing will maintain the sharp and clear sound profile throughout key presses, offering a consistent typing feedback. These contrasting bottom housing materials cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their typing preferences.
In terms of sound and feel, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Matcha ultimately comes down to personal preference. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a balance of sharpness and depth, providing a unique typing experience that caters to those who prefer a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Matcha's consistent polycarbonate top and bottom housing deliver a more uniform sound throughout key presses, appealing to those who prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience. Both switches showcase the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing feel, allowing users to customize their keyboards to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is also heavier at 55 grams, while the Matcha has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly firmer push feel, while the Matcha offers a lighter and gentler typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, with some users preferring the lighter actuation and bottom out forces for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier forces for a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Matcha tactile switches, the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm while the Matcha has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Matcha's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a quicker keypress sensation and the Matcha offering a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with their creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches offer a clean bottom-out sound due to their long pole stem, which results in a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more pronounced and engaging sound profile compared to the Matcha's cleaner and crisper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that users can expect a medium tactile feedback with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with a spring-like feedback sensation for a lively typing experience. The polished finish also contributes to a smooth and refined key travel experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches are described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. These switches offer a two-stage tactile feel with mild feedback, along with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience. The subtle resistance and gentle sound signature make it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a more pronounced and lively sound profile with a creamy tactile sensation, making them ideal for users who appreciate a more engaging auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches provide a cleaner and crisper sound with a comfortable and snappy tactile feedback, perfect for users who prefer a lighter actuation force and gentle resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the specific sound and feel characteristics that you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Matcha tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a comfortable, snappy tactility, and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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