Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both cater to different preferences and needs. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile coupled with smooth tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch boasts a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue, while also providing a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. These switches are categorized differently in terms of their sound and feel, with the Cream Blue Pro being accented, bouncy, snappy, polished and the Phalaenopsis being bassy, stepped, thocky. Both switches have their unique advantages, thus making them suitable for different preferences. 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
37g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, which lends to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the Phalaenopsis sticks with a polycarbonate bottom housing for a consistent sound profile throughout. This contrast in bottom housing material may lead to differences in typing experience, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a potentially more subdued sound while the Phalaenopsis maintains a sharper sound profile.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice results in a similar crisp and resonant sound profile, giving users a consistent typing experience across both keyboards. With polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that enhances sound clarity, both keyboards benefit from a bright and defined sound when keys are pressed. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboards.
When it comes to typing on these keyboards, the impact of the housing materials becomes more apparent. With the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper sound upon bottoming out, users may experience a more muted typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains a consistent sharp sound profile throughout. However, the top housing material will play a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with both keyboards offering a clear and resonant sound thanks to their polycarbonate top housings. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also requires more pressure at 55 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis at 50 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro a bit heavier in both aspects than the Phalaenopsis. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Phalaenopsis may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro leaning towards a heavier feel and the Phalaenopsis towards a lighter feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are often described as having a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively and audible feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches have been noted for their bassy and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being more poppy and clacky while the Phalaenopsis leans towards a deeper and more substantial tone.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet still noticeable. This results in a smooth and refined typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile sensation that is more mild compared to other switches. This unique feel can provide a different typing experience that may be preferred by some users.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth and tactile sensation, the Phalaenopsis switches provide a deeper and more substantial sound with a stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options offering a satisfying typing experience for users looking for quality switches within a budget.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for effortless typing and minimized finger fatigue, along with a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, the Phalaenopsis switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so carefully consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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