Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Pine 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 Pine offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an exemplary tactile switch, providing users with a pronounced tactile bump that enhances typing feedback and a loud, bassy sound signature that adds character to every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more engaging interaction with their keyboard and appreciate the acoustic feedback. In contrast, the KTT Pine is a linear switch celebrated for its smoothness and effortless key travel, thanks to its medium-heavy actuation and factory-lubed finish. The Pine offers a quieter typing experience, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a seamless, less intrusive feel while typing or gaming. Each switch has its merits—whether you gravitate towards the tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro or the smooth operation of the KTT Pine, your choice ultimately depends on your individual typing style and preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Pine, one can note a striking similarity in their choice of material for the top housing: polycarbonate. Both switches utilize this relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the overall resonance, producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing when illuminated. Consequently, users of either switch can expect similar auditory experiences due to the shared material and its sonic characteristics.
However, the differences become more pronounced when we look at their bottom housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and provide a deeper, fuller acoustic profile. This softer material dampens vibrations more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine embraces another polycarbonate bottom housing; therefore, the impact on sound and feel is distinctively higher-pitched and clear. This divergence between the two bottom housings indicates that while the top sound profiles may align closely, the overall experience beneath the fingers changes dramatically due to the varying sound absorption qualities of nylon versus polycarbonate.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials creates a nuanced typing experience. For users relying on the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a richer, more muted auditory feedback, while the KTT Pine's polycarbonate bottom produces a sharper note. When the switches are pressed, the tonal qualities of each bottom housing will influence the feel and sound of the bottom-out, while the top housing will maintain a consistent crisper sound during release. Understanding these contrasts allows users to choose based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel, even as certain aspects—specifically related to the polycarbonate top housing—remain aligned.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a softer touch, the KTT Pine provides a firmer push, catering to different user preferences in terms of keyboard feel. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch that is ideal for long use, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, whereas the KTT Pine might be more suited for those who enjoy a heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the better choice, as shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for its deeper, more tactile experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences—responsiveness versus depth—the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter option at 3 mm, whereas the KTT Pine offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by its loud, bassy sound signature, creating a rich audio experience during typing. The low-pitched quality resonates with users looking for an immersive auditory feedback, adding a certain depth to each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a similarly rich and deep sound profile, manifesting as smooth and buttery without the pronounced click of a tactile switch. Though the tonal character is different, both switches can produce a satisfying auditory response, heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with its invigorating tactile bump that delivers a pronounced feedback upon actuation. This gives the user a snappy and reactive experience, complemented by its polished nature which ensures reduced friction for a smooth stroke. The switch is bouncy, offering a lively rebound that heightens the interactive feel of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch focuses on providing a silky, buttery experience with a smooth trip from start to finish. Its factory-lubed finish contributes to a creamy sensation, ensuring effortless key presses without any scratchiness or resistance. Thus, while both switches offer unique tactile and smooth qualities, the V3 leans more toward a tactile, bouncy response whereas the Pine is all about fluidity and ease.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and KTT Pine linear switches cater to different user preferences with their distinctive sound and feel. The V3’s tactile feedback and louder sound create a more engaging typing experience, while the KTT Pine emphasizes smoothness and a buttery finish, promoting effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and sound preference; both options have their merits in delivering a satisfying keyboard experience, whether you’re drawn to the pronounced tactility of the V3 or the smooth linearity of the Pine.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a switch that delivers a pronounced tactile feedback with an invigorating feel, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the right pick for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, while the bassy sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory layer to your keystrokes. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a snappy and reactive touch that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter operation without the tactile bump, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out as an excellent option. The medium actuation force of 58 grams provides a slightly firmer feel, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, while its buttery smooth action ensures minimal resistance and effortless key travel. This switch will cater well to those who value a silent environment and seamless performance, such as writers or programmers. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, the sound environment you prefer, and how you engage with your keyboard, allowing you to enjoy every keystroke fully.
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