Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream 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 Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option known for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a smooth and creamy feel akin to its dessert-inspired name. While the Akko switch is characterized by being 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', and 'bouncy', the KTT switch is labeled as 'buttery', 'creamy', and 'high-pitched'. Both switches offer unique qualities that may appeal to different users, 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing while the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing. Both materials offer a high-pitched sound profile, but the polycarbonate used in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the clacky sound signature of the KTT blend. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the special mixed materials of the KTT blend offer a unique sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material provides smooth and durable switches with a clacky sound signature. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound, while POK's superior durability and smoothness make it a top choice for switch housing material. Both materials offer their own unique advantages, with nylon focusing on sound profile and POK emphasizing durability and smoothness.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer high-pitched sound profiles, the specific properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT blend and POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream contribute to distinct typing experiences. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the smooth and clacky sound of POK, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option while the Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter option. The actuation force of the Cream Yellow Pro is 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires only 43 grams to actuate. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow Pro is 60 grams, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream bottoms out at 48 grams. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch more lightweight and easier to use for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Cream Yellow Pro provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will give a slightly quicker response time when pressed. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for its shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress, the Vanilla Ice Cream with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more poppy sound compared to the high-pitched sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its smooth and creamy tactile feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Described as easy-to-press and feathery, these switches offer low-impact key presses that reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, giving typists a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro being easy to press and the Vanilla Ice Cream feeling buttery and creamy.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched clacky sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences, with the choice between the two depending on individual preferences for sound and feel. Get similar results with either switch in terms of overall satisfaction with your typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, then the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and appreciate a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it comes down to personal preference and typing style when making your decision.
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