Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Hyacinth mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to create a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'polished', the Hyacinth is characterized as 'neutral', 'silky', and 'subtle'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable choices depending on individual 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Hyacinth both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes nylon, while the KTT Hyacinth also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. As such, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, enhancing the overall sound quality and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Hyacinth are identical in their use of polycarbonate, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth offers a similar experience with its nylon bottom housing, showcasing the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch. Both switches showcase how the combination of different housing materials can result in distinct typing experiences, catering to a variety of preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams while the Hyacinth needs 56 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hyacinth might be the better choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Hyacinth linear switch's travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, the Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for fast response times may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Hyacinth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, making it effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, these switches offer a bouncy and snappy feel, adding liveliness to your typing. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is described as silky and subtle, offering a smooth typing experience with gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a poppy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a poppy sound and creamy tactile feel with medium actuation force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you, especially if you're budget-conscious. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid hard bottoming-out, a consistent force curve, and a moderate actuation force requirement, the Hyacinth would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choose based on what aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual preferences and needs in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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