Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its budget-friendly appeal and offers a poppy, clacky sound paired with a smooth tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo embodies subtlety and finesse with its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic material that resonates sound effectively. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard. In terms of sound and feel, both keyboards will provide a similar experience due to the use of polycarbonate in their top housings.
On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the KTT Mallo's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound experience of a keyboard, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. This difference in bottom housing material between the two keyboards may lead to a slightly varied typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a keyboard can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Mallo feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the difference in their nylon bottom housings may lead to nuanced variations in sound when typing. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon or a clearer resonance with polycarbonate, both keyboards offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel for typing enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force. However, the Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, it also offers a slightly more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a lighter typing experience overall. Depending on individual preferences, some users may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for a more tactile typing experience, while others may find the lighter bottom out force of the Mallo more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Mallo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Mallo may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses. Both options offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the shorter distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro catering to those who prioritize quick reactions, and the longer distance of the Mallo appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance in a switch.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 switch produces a distinct poppy and clacky sound that adds a lively auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile that is subtle and dampened, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro providing a more vibrant and pronounced sound while the Mallo offers a more muted and understated sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for key presses. This results in a feathery and bouncy typing experience that enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the KTT Mallo switch offers a light and subtle typing feel, with a mild tactility that provides just enough feedback without overwhelming the user. The Mallo switch's stepped and gentle resistance adds a unique touch to the typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for various typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and KTT Mallo switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro switch delivers a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, catering to those who enjoy a lively auditory experience and light key presses. On the other hand, the Mallo switch provides a neutral and subdued sound signature along with a gentle and subtle typing feel that is comfortable and approachable for extended typing sessions. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you desire, but rest assured, you will get satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a distinct tactile feel with a more pronounced sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, a more subtle tactile feedback, and a neutral sound profile, the KTT Mallo switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, whether you choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the KTT Mallo, you can rest assured that you're getting a quality switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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