Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Hyacinth present two distinct yet compelling options tailored to different typing experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro impresses with its pronounced tactile bump and satisfying sound profile, perfect for users who enjoy a loud, bassy auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth offers a more subdued linear experience, featuring a unique 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the hard bottoming-out sensation often associated with longer-stem switches. The Hyacinth's design emphasizes comfort and consistency, thanks to its single-stage elongated spring that provides a smooth force curve. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for tactile enthusiasts craving feedback and sound, while the Hyacinth appeals to those seeking a silky-smooth and neutral typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Hyacinth feature the same housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—resulting in very similar sound profiles and performance characteristics. Both switches exhibit the benefits of polycarbonate, giving them a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and clear. This is attributable to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound when the switch is activated. Additionally, both switches highlight their use of translucent polycarbonate for the top housing, making them ideal for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. This means that users of either switch will enjoy vibrant lighting effects while also benefiting from the enhanced auditory feedback that these materials provide.
While the top housings of both switches contribute similarly to the sound experience, the bottom housings accentuate the tonal characteristics in contrasting ways. The nylon bottom housing present in both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Hyacinth emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and more rounded auditory experience compared to the crispness provided by the polycarbonate tops. Therefore, in typing experiences, users will notice a clear delineation in sound depending on the housing they are engaging with: the polycarbonate top will dominate the sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom will emphasize sound and feel upon bottoming out.
Overall, since both switches utilize identical housing materials, users can expect not only consistency in sound profiles but also an integrated experience where the qualities of both materials enhance the overall performance. The combination of a sharp, resonant polycarbonate top with the full-bodied nylon bottom delivers a balanced auditory experience. For those who appreciate RGB lighting, the aesthetic appeal remains consistent across both models, allowing users to obtain similar visual effects alongside their selected auditory feedback. Consequently, both switches cater effectively to gamers and typists who value sound dynamics and visual aesthetics alike.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, compared to the KTT Hyacinth's 45 grams, making it more suited for long typing sessions and extended gaming, as users will experience less finger fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is 50 grams, which is also lighter than the Hyacinth's 56 grams. This means that while both switches provide a satisfying keystroke, the Akko switch will feel less strenuous overall, appealing to those who favor a lighter touch. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, may offer a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push feel. Overall, for those seeking a less tiring option, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out as the lighter choice, while the KTT Hyacinth caters to users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more shallow option, while the KTT Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Hyacinth will provide a deeper feel as you press down on the key, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, those who prefer a responsive feel will gravitate toward the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those who favor a more substantial key press may opt for the KTT Hyacinth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 Creamy Purple Pro Switch stands out with a loud auditory signature, characterized by deeper bass tones that deliver a more substantial acoustic presence, making it quite engaging for those who enjoy typing sounds. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth Linear Switch offers a neutral sound profile, which features a moderate actuation force requirement. This balance makes the Hyacinth suitable for various environments, whether for home use or in a shared work setting, without overwhelming others with noise. While both switches deliver distinct sound experiences, the Creamy Purple Pro will provide a more pronounced auditory sensation compared to the quieter, more muted tones of the Hyacinth.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for a prominent tactile bump that users can clearly identify during typing, enhancing feedback and making the experience feel dynamic and lively. This tactile sensation can aid in increasing typing accuracy for some users. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth features a silky smoothness that promotes a seamless typing experience, minimizing resistance on key presses and releases. It also presents a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, making it exceptional for extended typing sessions or shared spaces. While both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, those opting for the Hyacinth will find a more fluid experience compared to the pronounced bump of the Creamy Purple Pro.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch cater to different typists based on their sound and feel preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is for those who enjoy a loud, bass-heavy acoustic experience coupled with an invigorating tactile bump, while the Hyacinth provides a more subdued sound profile alongside a silky smooth experience that minimizes resistance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value pronounced audio and tactile feedback or a quietly smooth typing experience, allowing for personalized setups that resonate with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a deeper, bassier sound for a more engaging typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the best fit for you, especially if you appreciate a lighter touch with a 50-gram actuation force. This switch is ideal for those looking to enhance their gaming or typing experience with a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more subtle typing experience, particularly in shared spaces, the KTT Hyacinth's silky feel and neutral sound profile make it a versatile choice. The Hyacinth’s balanced medium-light force of 56 grams gives you a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming out sensation, thanks to its unique 3.5mm travel distance. In essence, consider your individual needs and the type of feedback you seek from your keyboard to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences.
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