Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Grapefruit mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches stand out for their unique qualities. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying poppy and clacky sound, combined with a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches showcase a soft and light typing experience with a distinctive "baritone" sound profile. While the Cream Yellow Pro is known for its easy-to-press and bouncy feel, the Grapefruit stands out for its low-pitched and polished attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Grapefruit share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Both switches are ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. However, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Grapefruit's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Grapefruit differ in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Grapefruit also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, which absorbs more sound but may provide a slightly different feel and sound when compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. These differences in housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
The qualities of the housing materials in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Grapefruit are split between the top and bottom housings, affecting the sound profile and feel of each switch. While the top housing's material plays a significant role in the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Users may notice a difference in sound and feel between the two switches due to their varying top and bottom housing materials, showcasing how housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 50 grams to actuate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, whereas the Grapefruit only needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force required, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Grapefruit switch, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, which provides a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grapefruit switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, providing a balanced feel, while the 3.0mm distance is shallow, offering a quicker response time. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster reactions, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for a longer travel distance. Both switches offer different options for users depending on their preferences, with the Grapefruit switch offering a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively sound and the Grapefruit providing a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a poppy and clacky sound paired with a smooth and responsive typing feel, ideal for those looking for a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, catering to individuals who prefer a deeper tone and smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Grapefruit switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a switch. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique, tarty linear switch with a soft and light feel accompanied by a deep sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit switch may be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of smoothness when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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