Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, one can notice distinct differences in their characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, catering to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, all thanks to its all-POM construction, and light 45g bottom-out, making it perfect for light typists seeking ease and comfort. While the Cream Yellow Pro is described as 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their unique features that cater to different preferences, 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Purple Star differ significantly in terms of the top and bottom housing materials used. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the Purple Star, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches feature a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile with a deep and muted tone. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience with a combination of clear and resonant sounds.
In terms of material properties, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Purple Star provides a more muted and deeper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. The POM bottom housing of the Purple Star also contributes to a deep and muted sound, showcasing the unique qualities that each housing material brings to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Purple Star contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a sharp and clear sound, while the POM top housing of the Purple Star offers a deeper and more muted tone. Both switches share a POM bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and muted sound profile. The combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a varied typing experience, with the qualities of the top and bottom housings impacting the sound and feel of the keystrokes in different ways.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Star is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more medium feel compared to the lighter touch of the Purple Star. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, which can impact typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the bottom out force indicates the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use, the KTT Purple Star may be a better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial feel to their typing may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference based on weight and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times when typing or gaming. However, the Purple Star offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feel.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 which offers a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound signature that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively and tactile experience, while the Purple Star provides a smoother and more neutral typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a poppy and clacky sound or a low-pitched and mellow tone in your mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics. These switches offer a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable while providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering more lively and responsive feedback, while the Purple Star provides a gentler and more approachable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feelings that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, while the Purple Star offers a low-pitched sound and a buttery smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience with lively feedback or a smoother and more neutral typing sound, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom-out force and a satisfying clacky sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you find the perfect match for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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