Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Miaowu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that stands out for its budget-friendly price point and satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy an auditory experience paired with a creamy keystroke feel. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu, also a linear switch, boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action thanks to its use of POK in the stem. While both switches are categorized as 'bouncy', the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers an 'easy-to-press' sensation while the Miaowu is 'clacky'. 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
2.00 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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Miaowu, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that both keyboards will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects from both keyboards when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Miaowu also opts for a nylon bottom housing, allowing users to experience the same deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the keyboard. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both keyboards will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Miaowu have differences in their top housing materials, their bottom housing choice remains the same with nylon. This means that users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing experience from both keyboards, with the top housing material influencing the sound when pressing or releasing keys and the bottom housing impacting the overall sound and feel of typing. Ultimately, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials contributing to their individual characteristics.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Miaowu's 43 grams, making it a bit heavier. Similarly, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is 60 grams, while the Miaowu requires 50 grams, indicating that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is also heavier in this aspect. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Miaowu offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for quicker response times, especially preferred by gamers. However, the Miaowu switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper feeling when typing compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is described as producing a sharp and snappy sound, offering a crisp and percussive typing experience. Both switches provide distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a slightly softer and more rounded sound compared to the Miaowu's sharper tone.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the featheriness of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro enhances the typing experience by providing a low-impact and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is characterized by its bouncy feedback, offering a spring-like sensation that adds liveliness to keystrokes. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro focusing on lightness and ease of use, while the Miaowu emphasizes a dynamic and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and KTT Miaowu switches each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy and clacky sound paired with a smooth and easy-to-press feel, ideal for those seeking a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch offers a sharp and snappy sound accompanied by a bouncy and dynamic tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate a more lively and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for. However, both switches are sure to deliver satisfying results based on their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force for a balanced typing experience and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value enhanced stem stability with smoother keystroke action, the KTT Miaowu switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.