Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Miaowu are two popular options that offer unique advantages. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is a linear switch known for its enhanced stem stability, smooth keystroke action, and utilization of POK in its stem for a unique typing experience. Both switches are categorized as 'Bouncy,' but the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its 'Accented' and 'Snappy' characteristics, while the KTT Miaowu is noted for being 'Clacky.' Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Miaowu, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of both keyboards. However, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro also has a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Miaowu opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing instead.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound profile, offering a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Miaowu's decision to use a polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a sound profile that is sharper and more resonant, aligning with the qualities of the top housing material. Despite this difference, both keyboards aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience by utilizing different housing materials in their construction.
In terms of feel and sound, the combination of different housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Miaowu ensures that each keyboard offers a unique typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material can be felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By splitting the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch, both keyboards aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and sound profile for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Miaowu's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also requires more force at 55 grams compared to the Miaowu's 50 grams, making it heavier as well. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more substantial and firmer feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is lighter, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required for key actuation.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Miaowu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard community, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro more abrupt, while others may appreciate the extra depth provided by the Miaowu switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding 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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 is best known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup variables such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The switches provide a spring-like feedback that gives a lively feel and smooth key travel, thanks to their refined finish. In comparison, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a tactile experience that can cater to different typing preferences, whether you prefer a medium tactile feel with a polished finish or a bouncy feedback with rebound characteristics.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and KTT Miaowu switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue Pro provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Miaowu switch produces a sharp and snappy sound with a bouncy feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual taste in sound, feel, and typing experience desired for an optimal mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you value a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation at a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke action with a lighter bottom out force and enhanced stem stability, the Miaowu switch is the better choice for you. Both switches have their unique features that cater to different typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns with your individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the KTT Miaowu, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience.
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