KTT Cream Yellow vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of linear versus tactile options, and two noteworthy contenders in this arena are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro. The Cream Yellow switch stands out for its bouncy and clacky typing experience, characterized by a distinctively resonant sound, short bottom-out distance, and a long-pole stem that enhances audio feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the feel of a lively, responsive switch and crave a satisfying acoustic element while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a pronounced tactile bump that adds a layer of engagement with each keystroke, coupled with a bassy yet bold sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate feedback that indicates whether a key has been actuated without needing to bottom out. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you seek an exhilarating, auditory experience with the Cream Yellow or a tactile sensation from the Creamy Purple Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro share striking similarities in their sound profiles, largely attributable to the material used in their top housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, making both switches excellent options for enthusiasts looking for distinct sound characteristics. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both the Cream Yellow and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches incorporate nylon, creating a notable distinction in their auditory experiences. The nylon material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This sound dampening quality provides a contrast to the crispness offered by the polycarbonate top, leading to a balanced sound experience reflective of both materials' properties. Users will find that the typing experience on these switches combines a clear, high-pitched sound upon key release from the polycarbonate top with a warmer and rounder sound from the nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, while the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilize similar materials in their respective top and bottom housings, the interplay between these materials crafts a distinct auditory experience in each switch. The combination of a stiff polycarbonate top with a soft nylon bottom results in a nuanced sound profile where the clear high notes of the top housing blend harmoniously with the deep lows of the bottom. Thus, regardless of any aesthetic differences between them, users can anticipate a similarly satisfying typing experience with both, offering a harmonious balance of sharper tones and fuller depths.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the lighter option, which could be advantageous for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Cream Yellow offers a heavier feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feedback experience when typing. Ultimately, the differing forces cater to different preferences: lighter switches like the V3 Creamy Purple Pro facilitate rapid keypresses and reduced fatigue, while the heavier Cream Yellow provides a more tactile and deliberate typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. This indicates that the Cream Yellow switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. For users who favor a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation and faster response times, which is often crucial for gamers. Conversely, the Cream Yellow switch, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback and tactile depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the feeling of depth during typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky auditory profile. This switch generates a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that is particularly pronounced due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which together create a resonant audio feedback during key presses. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch also presents a loud sound signature but leans toward a bassier pitch, thanks to its tactile bump. Both switches deliver a notable auditory experience, though their sound profiles differ, with the Cream Yellow aiming for a crisp sharpness and the Creamy Purple Pro offering a deeper resonance.
When considering the feel, the Cream Yellow is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback that dictates a lively typing experience filled with a sense of rebound upon pressing a key. This adds to the overall excitement of typing, making it an enjoyable interaction. In stark contrast, the tactile nature of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro centers around its large, invigorating tactile bump, which enriches the typing experience with a pronounced tactile sensation at the point of actuation. This creates a contrast between a linear, smooth experience and a more tactile and varied feedback from the Creamy Purple Pro.
Overall, both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow’s clackiness and bouncy feel can provide a fun and engaging typing experience, while the Creamy Purple Pro’s profound tactile bump and bassy sound can enhance feedback, especially for those who appreciate a tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a sharper audibility and smoothness versus a pronounced tactile feel and deeper sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the key lies in your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more traditional, smooth typing experience with a delightful auditory feedback, the Cream Yellow would be an excellent choice. Its medium resistance of 58 grams provides a balanced feel, while its clacky sound profile adds a pleasant dimension to your keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate a lively and engaging keyboard soundscape. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a noticeable tactile bump and lighter actuation, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro with its 50-gram bottom-out force is designed for you. It's especially beneficial for typing tasks that require precision, as the tactile feedback can help ensure you register each keystroke thoughtfully. The deeper, bass-rich sound signature of the Creamy Purple Pro complements its tactile nature, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more restrained and nuanced auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired blend of sound and tactile feedback in your typing routine.