Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Matcha offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly price point and satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as a tactile switch, providing a comfortable and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. While the Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who prefer a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feel, the Matcha appeals to users seeking a tactile response and distinct bottom-out sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Matcha, it is clear that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other plastics. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for accommodating RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switches. This similarity in top housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic experience with both switches.
However, a key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate material. This contrast in bottom housing materials contributes to varying sound and tactile experiences when typing on the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Matcha share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the use of different bottom housing materials leads to distinct typing experiences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the KTT Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and crisp sound profile. Ultimately, users must consider their preferences for sound and tactile feedback when selecting between these switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch's lighter 40 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is 60 grams, while the Matcha is even lighter at 45 grams. This means that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, while the KTT Matcha allows for a lighter typing experience, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or anyone looking for a faster typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 is best described as offering a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is known for its clean bottom-out sound, delivering a distinctly sharp and snappy tone when pressed, creating a crisp and bright keystroke sound. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate either a poppy, clacky sound or a clean bottom-out tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the switch is described as feathery and bouncy, providing a smooth and spring-like typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch offers a stepped tactile feel with a snappy response, providing a comfortable and mildly tactile typing experience. It also features an accented tactility that is not overpowering, ensuring a medium tactile feedback that is suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch delivers a poppy, clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel, the KTT Matcha switch provides a clean bottom-out sound and a stepped, snappy tactility. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to optimize their typing experience. Whether one prefers a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel or a comfortable, snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the KTT Matcha switch, depending on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom out force and a satisfying auditory experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a comfortable, snappy tactility while typing, the KTT Matcha tactile switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and bottom out force requirements when choosing between these two switches to enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing you to personalize your mechanical keyboard to suit your needs and preferences.
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