Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mint, a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, paired with smooth tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a smooth linear typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. This switch provides a light and fleeting typing feel, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle feedback. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sensation. 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
2.00 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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials in both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Mint switches are quite similar. Both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro uses nylon while the KTT Mint also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch, while the KTT Mint's nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to a similar typing experience. This means that while the top housing may affect the sound profile when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Both switches benefit from the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials, offering a balance of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Mint switches each offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound and translucency, their nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound experience. The differences in housing materials between the two switches showcase how variations in material composition can impact the overall typing feel and sound of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, whether using the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the KTT Mint, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a blend of clear, sharp tones and deep, resonant sounds.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to the touch when triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue Pro requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Mint's 53 grams. This means that while both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light actuation force, the Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly more substantial feel when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for the bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Mint switch may provide a more satisfying sense of depth when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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 celebrated for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more vibrant feedback and the Mint offering a more subdued and neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are highlighted for their accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities. These switches provide a medium tactile feel with a prominent amount of tactility, combined with a spring-like and responsive feedback that results in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches are described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying feel while typing, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more lively and tactile feedback and the Mint offering a more gentle and refined sensation.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and KTT Mint switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream Blue Pro excels in delivering a vibrant and tactile experience with a distinct sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Mint offers a more subdued and neutral sound with a gentle and polished feel, making it suitable for those seeking a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are reliable choices that will deliver satisfying results for users based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback with a creamy sensation and notable smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness with a lightweight typing feel, the KTT Mint linear switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel, so it's essential to consider what characteristics are most important to you in your keyboard experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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