Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star present two distinctly different typing experiences that cater to various preferences and styles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and loud sound profile, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more sensory and audible feedback with every keystroke. This tactile nature can enhance the feeling of connection to the keyboard, making it especially appealing for those who appreciate a robust typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star is engineered for a smoother experience, boasting an all-POM construction and a neutral sound signature that delivers silent operation without sacrificing responsiveness. With a notably light 45g actuation, these linear switches make them an attractive option for light typists seeking a comfortable and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits catering to different user preferences, it's important to dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities in order to determine which switch best suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star employ different materials for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The V3 Cherry Purple Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This stiff material allows for a clear resonance, particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting since polycarbonate provides translucency that enhances lighting effects. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star is constructed with a POM plastic top housing, which notably creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM, while still a durable choice, does not resonate in the same bright manner as polycarbonate, suggesting that the KTT switches cater to those who prefer a warmer, softer auditory experience.
When we examine the bottom housings of the two switches, a distinct similarity arises. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and leads to a rounder auditory profile. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star utilizes a POM material for its bottom housing, which, despite being different from nylon, also boasts a unique and pleasing sound that remains on the deeper and more muted side. Both materials effectively contribute to a more mellow and rounded sound experience; however, the nylon likely absorbs and modifies sound frequencies differently than POM, leading to variations in tactile feedback between the two switches.
Ultimately, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star are designed to produce satisfactory sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. While the top housing materials set each switch apart in terms of high-end crispness versus muted warmth, their bottom housings demonstrate a similar approach to achieving deeper sound profiles. For users seeking versatility and a specific acoustic signature, the differences in housing materials will yield diverse experiences, but given the balance of sound qualities, both switches can ultimately generate enjoyable results. Therefore, individuals who appreciate the rounded sound of nylon in the V3 may still find satisfaction in the unique offerings of the KTT’s POM bottom housing, as each switch provides a distinct yet appealing auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces, although their bottom out forces are the same. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions at work or while gaming. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that they provide a consistent resistance at the end of the keystroke. As a result, if you gravitate toward lighter switches for comfort, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be a better choice. However, if you favor a stronger push for tactile feedback, the KTT Purple Star is the way to go.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Purple Star. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may provide an advantage, allowing for more rapid key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Purple Star might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel with deeper key presses, which can add to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and depth.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a loud, bass-heavy tone that lends a robust auditory presence to your typing experience. This distinguishes it from the KTT Purple Star, which features a more neutral, low-pitched sound signature. The mellow tone of the Purple Star is indicative of its quieter operation, making it less intrusive and suited for environments where noise levels are a concern. Both switches will produce unique acoustic profiles depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but expect a notably different auditory experience when using these two models.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a pronounced tactile bump that can provide satisfying feedback during typing. This tactile nature can engage typists who appreciate clear actuation points, which can be beneficial for touch typists seeking accuracy. Alternatively, the KTT Purple Star provides a mild and easy-to-press experience. Featuring a light 45g bottom-out force, these switches deliver comfort and ease, making them ideal for long typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. The differences in tactile feedback will cater to distinct preferences; while some may prefer the tangible engagement of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, others will appreciate the effortless action of the Purple Star.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star offer contrasting experiences that will appeal to different typing styles and preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro’s louder, bass-heavy sound and pronounced tactile feedback create an engaging experience for those who enjoy pronounced cues, while the Purple Star’s mellow, low-pitched acoustics and smooth, light actuation make it perfect for a quieter and more comfortable typing experience. Whether you lean towards an auditory and tactile engagement or a smooth and subtle approach, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing without sacrificing quality; the choice ultimately rests on your personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a satisfying audible feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice for you. This switch excels in delivering a robust tactile sensation, making it ideal if you appreciate feeling the actuation point as you type, particularly for typing tasks that benefit from greater precision. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be your best option. Its easy-to-press nature and mild characteristics offer a balanced and comfortable experience, especially well-suited for lengthy typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are advantageous. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and audible performance or a seamless and effortless typing flow.
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