KTT Cream Yellow vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, there are distinct differences to consider. The Cream Yellow switch is praised for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple V3 switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a polished typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Cream Yellow and the Lavender Purple Pro differ in their bottom housing material, with the Cream Yellow featuring a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lavender Purple Pro.
Despite the differences in the bottom housing material, both the Cream Yellow and the Lavender Purple Pro share similar sound characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housing. The higher-pitched and crisper sound profile created by the polycarbonate is present in both switches, providing users with a consistent auditory experience. However, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller dimension to its sound profile compared to the Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. This results in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Cream Yellow offering a potentially more rounded sound due to the absorptive nature of nylon.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro housing materials comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While both switches share the benefits of the polycarbonate top housing, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Lavender Purple Pro. If users prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with the potential for RGB lighting, the polycarbonate housing of the Lavender Purple Pro may be more appealing. On the other hand, those who enjoy a softer and more rounded sound may prefer the Cream Yellow with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The Cream Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, with the Cream Yellow being on the heavier side and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro on the lighter side. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while individuals looking for a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and experience of typing on these switches. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. 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 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 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch is best known for its clacky and sharp sound, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to an overall delightful typing experience. While the Cream Yellow switch has a distinctively clacky sound, the Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a unique combination of features that appeal to keyboard enthusiasts looking for a different auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cream Yellow linear switch is described as providing a bouncy typing sensation, with a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized as offering an accented tactile feedback, along with a bouncy and snappy feel that adds responsiveness to the typing experience. Additionally, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. In this aspect, both switches offer unique tactile feedback and typing sensations that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Those who prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow switch, while individuals who enjoy a higher-pitched sound with accented tactile feedback and a polished finish may find the Lavender Purple Pro switch more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump and a polished typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should come down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
