KTT Cream Yellow vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT cream yellow linear switch to the Akko V3 piano pro linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The cream yellow is favored for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, categorized as bouncy and clacky. On the other hand, the V3 piano pro is renowned for its snappy sound signature, smooth actuation, and pleasing tactile experience, falling under categories such as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will allow you to make an informed decision on which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
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
3.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see a difference in the top housing material used. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro incorporates a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a more absorbing and rounder sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Cream Yellow and the V3 Piano Pro opt for a nylon bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in the bottom housing materials means that the typing experience on both switches will have a consistent feel and sound quality. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be apparent in both the Cream Yellow and the V3 Piano Pro, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
It is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to a switch will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This division of qualities in the housing materials means that the Cream Yellow and the V3 Piano Pro will offer unique sound profiles based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings. However, the similarity in the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch which requires 45 grams to actuate. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow again requires more force at 58 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro at 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required. The Cream Yellow provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, which could be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get a similar tactile experience when typing on keyboards equipped with either switch. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Cream Yellow and the V3 Piano Pro, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a 3.5 mm travel distance in their linear switches.
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 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as producing a clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. The Cream Yellow switch is further noted for its resonant audio feedback, creating a higher-pitched sound profile for an immersive typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro, on the other hand, adds a lively, crisp quality to the sound signature, complementing its smooth actuation. While both switches offer a similar clacky sound profile, the Cream Yellow stands out for its resonant tones, while the V3 Piano Pro emphasizes a snappy and lively sound.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is best known for its bouncy typing sensation, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives a lively and rebounding feel when pressing the keys. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro not only provides a bouncy typing experience but also incorporates a creamy, polished, and silky feel to the switches. This results in a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide seamlessly across the keys. While both switches offer a bouncy feel, the V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a luxurious and refined typing experience with its creamy, polished, and silky characteristics.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they share a clacky sound profile, the Cream Yellow stands out for its resonant tones, while the V3 Piano Pro adds a snappy and lively sound signature. Similarly, both switches provide a bouncy typing sensation, but the V3 Piano Pro enhances the experience with creamy, polished, and silky attributes, setting it apart in terms of smoothness and luxury. Ultimately, choosing between the Cream Yellow and V3 Piano Pro switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches offering distinct qualities for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a snappy sound signature with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suited to your taste. Overall, the Cream Yellow offers a unique audio feedback and bouncy typing sensation, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a lively and crisp sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Choose based on what best aligns with your desired typing experience.
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