Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro with the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they each bring unique characteristics to the table. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its tactile feedback, distinctive sound profile, and budget-friendly price point, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lively typing experience with a creamy texture. On the other hand, the KTT Orange stands out for its linear design, featuring a bouncy feel, frictionless key travel, and low-pitched sound profile. While the Cream Blue Pro offers a satisfying tactile sensation, the Orange switch provides a smooth and seamless typing experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Orange utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro differs from the KTT Orange in that it uses a nylon bottom housing, while the Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom. This distinction means that the Cream Blue Pro will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile on the bottom-out, while the Orange will maintain its sharp and clear sound throughout the typing experience.
In terms of sound characteristics, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a softer and more muffled sound on the bottom-out, and the Orange maintaining its sharp and resonant sound throughout. Additionally, the top housing of each switch plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with the Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the Orange offers a similar effect with its consistent use of polycarbonate throughout.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Orange use polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound. These differences result in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a softer bottom-out sound and the Orange providing a consistent and crisp sound throughout. Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Orange has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice. Meanwhile, those seeking a slightly more substantial typing feel may lean towards the KTT Orange switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by some users for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may lean towards the KTT Orange switch with its slightly longer travel distance. In terms of travel distance, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has the shorter distance, while the KTT Orange has the longer distance, giving users the option to choose based on their individual preferences for key feel and response.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
Based on the descriptions provided, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is accompanied by a smooth tactile sensation, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a slick, frictionless typing experience thanks to its factory-lubing, providing a smooth and fluid key travel. 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 prominent amount of tactility and a spring-like feedback. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy and frictionless, giving users a lively feel with rebound when pressed and a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Overall, while both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option based on their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a lively, audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a fantastic choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying feel of your mechanical keyboard.
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