Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to take into account. On the one hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. This switch is budget-friendly and provides a lively and audible feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bit of flair in their typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch provides a linear typing experience that is buttery smooth and low-pitched. These switches are designed for effortless typing with a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a seamless key travel. 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
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Pine, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to these switches. However, while both switches share this similar top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing construction.
The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Pine. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing in influencing the overall sound and feel of a switch. Users may appreciate the unique qualities that each material brings to their typing experience, whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper tones of nylon.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Pine will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. While both switches offer a similar polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, their differing bottom housing materials provide distinct characteristics that may appeal to different users. Whether you prefer the fuller sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, each switch offers a unique typing experience that can cater to a variety of preferences. In the end, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Pine's heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Pine offers a medium typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being the lighter option and the Pine being the heavier option.
Travel distance
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or those seeking more responsiveness. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, but the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly shorter distance while the KTT Pine linear switch provides a longer travel distance.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as providing a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which is harmoniously paired with a creamy tactile sensation, making them lively and audibly pleasing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switches are characterized as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro focusing more on the tactile feedback in its sound, while the Pine switches emphasize a smooth and bass-heavy auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their accentuated tactile feedback, bouncy sensation, snappy responsiveness, and polished finish, providing a balanced medium tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. While the Cream Blue Pro switches focus on providing a tactile and lively typing sensation, the Pine switches prioritize a seamless and silky keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and the KTT Pine linear switches offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct poppy sound profile and accentuated tactile feedback, while the Pine switches provide a bassy sound and buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can offer a satisfactory mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether the user prioritizes a lively tactile feedback or a smooth and uniform typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile with a smooth and tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a creamy sensation and minimal friction, the KTT Pine linear switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it all comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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