Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TKC Kiwi are both popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly appeal, offering a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel that appeals to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to provide a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press and bouncy switches, the Kiwi appeals to users looking for a stepped and accented typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TKC Kiwi both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the TKC Kiwi features a UHWMPE bottom housing for resonant clacks when typing. Each switch's combination of housing materials creates a distinctive typing experience.
Although the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TKC Kiwi both feature different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivers a clear and resonant sound, while the UHWMPE top housing in the TKC Kiwi offers bright and resonant clacks. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro produces a deep and full sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing in the TKC Kiwi contributes to a bright sound signature. Despite the variations in housing materials, both switches prioritize sound quality and typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TKC Kiwi may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's housing materials provide a sharp and crisp sound for those who prefer a clear typing experience, while the TKC Kiwi's unique UHWMPE housing materials offer a brighter sound signature for those seeking a more vibrant typing feel. Whether you prefer the deep resonance of nylon or the bright clacks of UHWMPE, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams, while the Kiwi needs 67 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Yellow Pro lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier when it comes to bottom out force, compared to the TKC Kiwi. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TKC Kiwi may be the better option as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, for those looking for a more substantial and firm typing feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its higher bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but both offer a medium to medium-heavy weight which will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The AKKO V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the TKC Kiwi tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be more satisfying for users looking for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, quicker key press with the AKKO V3 Cream Yellow Pro, or a longer, more satisfying key press with the TKC Kiwi.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound profile that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Cream Yellow Pro being more poppy and clacky while the Kiwi delivers a smoother and more nuanced audio experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience. In contrast, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is stepped, accented, and polished, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Both switches offer different tactile feedback, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on light actuation and smooth key travel, while the Kiwi delivers a more pronounced bump and satisfying tactility. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a light and responsive feel or a more pronounced tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound with a smooth and low-impact typing feel, ideal for those seeking a lively auditory experience and easy key presses. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched sound and a more pronounced tactile bump, suited for users looking for a bass-heavy tone and a satisfying keystroke feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and creamy tactile feel with a poppy, clacky sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press along with a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi would be a better fit for you. Consider your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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