Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Semi Mute. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is notable for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering satisfying feedback with every keystroke, along with a loud, bass-heavy sound signature that can enhance the sensory experience for typists who enjoy auditory cues. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute switches offer a completely silent operation, designed for those who prefer a noise-free environment without sacrificing the smoothness of a linear switch. The Semi Mute's advanced dampening technology ensures a soft, comfortable typing feel, making it perfect for late-night work or quiet settings. While the Creamy Purple Pro caters to tactile enthusiasts who appreciate feedback and sound, the Semi Mute is ideal for minimalists seeking a serene typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Semi Mute both leverage polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and visual effects. As both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a bright and clear resonance when typing, making either switch capable of producing an engaging auditory experience.
Conversely, the two switches diverge concerning their bottom housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro opts for nylon, a classic choice that contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its relatively softer nature. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer materials, leading to a warmer and rounder auditory characteristic. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which continues the sharper sound attention reaped from its top housing. This decision reinforces the clear and resonant quality in the overall switch profile but detracts from the fuller tone characteristic of nylon-based designs.
This divergence in bottom housing influences the typing feel and sound significantly. When pressing down on the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, users will experience a more rounded and muted feedback, largely contributed by the nylon bottom. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute will maintain a more consistent sharpness throughout the pressing and releasing gestures due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, leading to a noticeable amplification of higher frequencies. Consequently, while both switches can deliver vibrant lighting and clear top-end acoustics due to their shared polycarbonate tops, the overall auditory experience and tactile feedback will differ, reflecting the unique blend of materials used in their designs.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming where comfort is key. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. The difference in actuation forces suggests that while the Akko switch allows for quicker responses with less effort, the KTT switch may engage users who appreciate the feedback of a stronger push. Overall, those looking for a lighter feel might gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those who favor a heavier switch should consider the KTT Semi Mute.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it's clear that there is a distinct difference, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro having a travel distance of 3 mm and the Semi Mute at 4 mm. The 3 mm travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is considered more shallow and aligns with the trend towards shorter distances, which are often favored by gamers for quicker response times. In contrast, the Semi Mute’s 4 mm travel distance provides a fuller, more pronounced feel that some users may prefer for a richer typing experience. Therefore, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter switch, while the KTT Semi Mute is the longer option. Depending on personal preference, those seeking a snappier response may opt for the Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those desiring a more substantial keystroke might lean towards the Semi Mute.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 delivers a pronounced auditory experience, characterized by a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy the assertion of their keystrokes resonating through their environment. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch is designed for an entirely different auditory experience. As its name suggests, the Semi Mute offers a completely silent operation, minimizing sound to create a peaceful typing environment. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro invites attention with its volume, the Semi Mute caters to those seeking discretion, making these two switches starkly different in terms of auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its significant tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making every press feel engaging and purposeful. This tactile engagement can be ideal for users who appreciate a switch that signals when activation occurs. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as providing a buttery smooth keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience. The mild characteristics of the Semi Mute create a gentle typing sensation that caters to a wide range of users, making it approachable regardless of typing experience. Thus, the feel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is more assertive and tactile, while the Semi Mute focuses on smoothness and comfort.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and KTT Semi Mute switches cater to distinctly different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud and engaging tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy an audible keypress. In contrast, the Semi Mute excels in providing a quiet, buttery experience that is perfect for late-night typing without disturbing others. While both switches serve to enhance the typing experience in unique ways, your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback will guide your ultimate choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and enjoy the satisfying audible feedback with a bassy sound signature, the Creamy Purple Pro would be a great match for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams may offer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy an engaging and dynamic feel while typing. However, if you prioritize a peaceful typing experience, especially in shared or quiet environments, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed for you. With their medium actuation force of 58 grams, these linear switches offer a smooth keystroke without any disruptive noise, making them perfect for late-night work or gaming sessions. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you favor tactile feedback and sound or a silent, buttery-smooth typing experience.
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