Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, both linear options offer unique characteristics for discerning users. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 is a budget-friendly choice known for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile response. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches boast a medium-heavy feel, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing, thanks to their factory-lubed finish minimizing friction for smooth key travel. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as ['Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished'], the Pine is characterized as ['Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched']. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Pine lies in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the material. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the differing bottom materials result in a distinct sound experience for each switch.
Aesthetically, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Pine feature polycarbonate top housings, allowing for the translucency required for RGB lighting effects. This common feature ensures that both switches provide a visually appealing experience for those interested in customizable lighting setups. However, the choice of nylon for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's bottom housing and polycarbonate for the Pine's bottom housing results in a noticeable difference in sound profile when typing on each switch. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a duller and rounder sound, while the Pine delivers a clearer and more resonant sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Pine comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the Pine with its polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the benefit of using polycarbonate for the top housing, enhancing RGB lighting capabilities. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a clearer, more resonant sound, both switches offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Pine linear switch. The Cream Yellow Pro requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Pine requires 45 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. However, for users who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback in their keystrokes, the Cream Yellow Pro switch would provide a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Pine linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the KTT Pine provides a deeper, more substantial key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being the shorter option and the KTT Pine being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 is known for its poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a brighter or bassier sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, offering a smooth tactile experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Pine switch is lauded for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that enhances typing comfort. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, but with slightly different tactile feedback, catering to varying preferences in typing feel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences that appeal to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a poppy, clacky sound with an easy-to-press and polished feel, the KTT Pine switch delivers a bassy, low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch choice, you can expect satisfying results with either switch option, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel that requires minimal force to activate, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a rich and deep sound profile, the Pine linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to evaluate what aspects of a switch are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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