Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct experiences for users. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly price point and satisfying combination of poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience coupled with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch featuring a light actuation force of 37g and a 50g tactile force, providing effortless typing and a discernible tactile bump for a delightful keystroke experience. While both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, diving deeper into their characteristics can help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material leads to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, the overall design and construction may still result in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences.
In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic material, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a different typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings like the KTT Phalaenopsis. The difference in bottom housing material can contribute to unique tactile feedback and overall typing experience for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the distinction in their bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material selection in designing switches and how they can impact the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Phalaenopsis allows for easier keystrokes, while the heavier forces of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provide a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which would be preferred by gamers looking for a fast and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying and deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being the shorter option and the KTT Phalaenopsis being the longer option.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as having a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively sound while the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper and more satisfying tone.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a low-impact and comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Additionally, the bouncy and snappy attributes of these switches provide a responsive and lively typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, offering a more mild and controlled tactile bump with some pre-travel and post-travel sensation. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on a light and effortless typing feel while the Phalaenopsis offers a more controlled and discernible tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, ideal for those seeking a vibrant typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Meanwhile, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound with a stepped tactile feel, providing a deeper and more controlled typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice, especially for budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you seek effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, thanks to a light 50g actuation force and a discernible tactile bump for a delightful keystroke experience, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value sound and feel for your typing experience.
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