Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, there are definitely some key differences to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy, tactile sensation that appeals to users who enjoy a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch that offers a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile that caters to those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The use of polycarbonate is also favored for its translucency, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in producing a clear and resonant sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a distinct typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound, while the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of pressing a key, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the KTT Wine Red both benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharper and more resonant sound profile. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's inclusion of a nylon bottom housing sets it apart by providing a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and typing experience, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar bottom out forces at 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of resistance when fully pressed. However, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red at 44 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. This difference may result in a slightly firmer typing feel with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, whereas the KTT Wine Red may feel slightly lighter to the touch when actuating a key. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Wine Red's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Cream Blue Pro might be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Wine Red may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue Pro being slightly shorter than the standard 4.0mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming 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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 offer a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that is both lively and audible. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches provide a deep and rich sound profile with a bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth typing experience. On the contrary, information about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switches is not provided.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinct sound profile and smooth tactile sensation, making them a great choice for those who value both audible feedback and a creamy feel. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are praised for their pillowy light type feel and deep, rich sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both. It's worth noting that with the available information, using either switch would result in a quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, along with a poppy and clacky sound profile, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile that is described as bassy and low-pitched, then the KTT Wine Red switches would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style and preferences the best.