Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. With a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, these switches provide a smooth and tactile sensation that is accompanied by a lively audible feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Its attractive pink and clear housings add to its appeal. While the Cream Blue Pro offers bouncy and snappy characteristics, the Strawberry is low-pitched and frictionless. Whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, both options have their own unique features. 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
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Strawberry, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clarity in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting effects. However, while both switches share this similarity in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition.
The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a bottom housing made of nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. On the other hand, the Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to that of its top housing. This choice may impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, potentially producing a different typing experience compared to a switch with nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and either nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing in these switches leads to a unique typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing both the sound produced when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. This division of qualities allows for a more nuanced and varied typing experience, showcasing how different housing materials can impact the overall sound profile and feel of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires a lighter 55 grams compared to the Strawberry's heavier 62 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more medium-light typing experience, while the Strawberry provides a medium force feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Strawberry is better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, while the Strawberry's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired 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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering an audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch features a low-pitched sound profile, which typically offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and fluid key travel.
Overall, if you enjoy a lively and audible tactile feedback with a creamy sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the KTT Strawberry switch may be more to your liking. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, providing users with different options depending on their preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you value a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Strawberry linear switch is a great option, known for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and overall typing experience that aligns with your personal preferences.
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