Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Lightning, both linear switches known for their unique features. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, providing a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the KTT Lightnings are known for their speed, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between victory and defeat. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers an easy-to-press and bouncy typing experience, the KTT Lightnings provide a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Lightning, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting customization. However, while both keyboards share this feature, the differences in their bottom housing materials - nylon for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and polycarbonate for the Lightning - result in variations in sound profiles. Nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
Despite the shared polycarbonate top housing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Lightning, the keyboards diverge in their bottom housing materials, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Lightning's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This difference highlights how the choice of materials for the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound and tactile experience of typing on a keyboard. Additionally, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in each keyboard demonstrates the varying effects they have on the sound produced during key presses and releases.
In conclusion, although both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Lightning feature polycarbonate top housing for similar sound characteristics, their choice of bottom housing materials - nylon and polycarbonate, respectively - leads to distinct sound profiles. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, the Lightning's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. Understanding how different housing materials impact sound and tactile feedback is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience based on personal preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is the lighter choice with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Lightning switch would be the ideal option as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to varying preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch both offer different travel distances. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Lightning's 3 mm travel distance. While both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, the difference of 0.3 mm may not be noticeable to every user. Gamers might prefer the Lightning switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress might lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a shorter travel distance which is great for those looking for a quicker typing or gaming experience.
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 Lightning 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch produces a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile that is sharp and snappy. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a more poppy sound or a slicker feel with a sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is easy-to-press and feathery, providing a gentle resistance and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the switch has been described as bouncy and snappy, offering a lively typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Lightning switch is described as subtle and polished, offering a light typing feel with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Akko switch may appeal more to those who prefer a bouncier and snappier feel, while the KTT switch may be preferred by those who prefer a subtle typing experience with a polished finish.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and KTT Lightning switches offer distinct sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a poppy and clacky sound with a bouncy and snappy feel (Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro), or a slick type feel with a subtle and polished finish (KTT Lightning). Both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and selecting either one would result in a satisfying typing experience with their respective unique qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Lightning has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, ideal for fast typing and a slick, clacky sound profile. If you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. However, if speed and precision are key factors in your decision-making, the Lightning's quick actuation and responsive feel make it a suitable option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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