Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and KTT Phalaenopsis stand out as strong contenders, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its substantial tactile bump and a loud, bassy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. It excels in creating a dynamic typing experience that many gamers and typists find invigorating. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis features a lighter actuation force of 37g, which allows for effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue during extended sessions. With its 50g tactile force, it delivers a satisfying bump that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. Both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, but their differing sound profiles and actuation forces may sway your decision based on personal comfort and typing habits. 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
30g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis share a commonality in their top housing material, which is both made from polycarbonate. This shared composition leads to similar sound characteristics; both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The use of a translucent material not only enhances the audio clarity of the switches but also makes them suitable for RGB lighting, creating an aesthetic appeal that is bright and vibrant. When users engage with these switches, they will likely enjoy consistent auditory feedback when bottoming out the keys, thanks to the polycarbonate's resonant properties.
However, a key difference arises in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes nylon for its lower housing, the KTT Phalaenopsis employs polycarbonate. This divergence means that the overall acoustic experience will feel distinct. The nylon in the Akko switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs more sound and gives the keys a rounder feel. In contrast, the uniform polycarbonate material in the Phalaenopsis results in a more consistent sound profile across both the top and bottom housing, retaining the sharper characteristics prevalent in the top housing but without the depth provided by nylon.
When considering the combined effects of the materials, each switch's performance can be attributed to its specific housing compositions. With the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, users will experience a nuanced blend of sound, where the softer nylon in the bottom enhances the feel and sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate top contributes clarity on release. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a more uniform sound throughout the actuation of the switch, making it ideal for those who prefer a consistent auditory experience. While both switches exhibit high-quality sound profiles, the materials lend themselves to distinct tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we find noteworthy differences in their actuation forces, despite both exhibiting the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams. This additional resistance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer feedback with each keystroke. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that eases prolonged use, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while those seeking a stronger push feel should consider the KTT Phalaenopsis. In terms of bottom out force, both switches provide the same resistance when fully pressed, ensuring a consistent experience in that regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there is a clear difference to consider. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction underscores the growing trend towards shorter travel distances, particularly favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as the V3 Creamy Purple Pro allows for speedier key presses. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis switch, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial and satisfying key feel for those who appreciate greater depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile response and key travel.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a notably loud sound signature characterized by a bass-heavy tone, ensuring that each keystroke not only feels impactful but also resonates with a rich auditory experience. This pronounced sound profile makes these switches quite engaging, especially for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches also deliver a satisfying auditory feedback but lean towards a deeper and more thocky sound. They create a fuller, more resonant experience reminiscent of a rich thud upon key activation and release, making them an appealing choice for users who appreciate that deeper, more substantial sound without the excessive volume that can accompany the V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed to provide users with a large, invigorating tactile bump, creating a clear and distinct feeling with each keystroke. This strong tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment for those who prefer a pronounced sensation while typing. The KTT Phalaenopsis, however, features a stepped tactile feel. This means that while it still provides a satisfying tactile bump, the keypress experience is moderated through its two-stage actuation. This results in a more gradual and refined tactile experience, potentially favoring users who prefer a subtler but still discernible change in resistance while typing.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches are excellent choices for those seeking tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards, but they cater to quite different auditory and tactile preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bass-heavy sound and pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more vigorous typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a softer, deeper sound signature and a stepped tactile feel that might better suit those looking for comfort and subtle feedback during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you lean towards a more traditional, tactile experience with a pronounced bump and enjoy a louder sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the switch for you. It's ideal for those who appreciate a robust feedback during each keystroke and don't mind a bit of noise, making it great for gaming or tactile typing sessions where that satisfying "thock" sound adds to the experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, especially during long hours of use, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be a better fit. Its lighter actuation force and stepped tactile feel provide a gentler touch while still delivering a noticeable tactile response, which helps to minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, if you prefer a deeper, bassy sound without being overly loud, the Phalaenopsis can offer a pleasantly rich auditory feedback without becoming disruptive. Thus, consider what aspects are most essential for your typing style and environment before making a decision.
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