Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Strawberry stand out for their distinctive characteristics and user experiences. The Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump and pronounced loudness, delivering a satisfying keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate, particularly those who favor a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry boasts a smooth, frictionless actuation and silky feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quieter, fluid typing experience. While the former's bassier sound signature enhances the tactile feedback, the latter's polished design offers a refreshing lightness in each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you're drawn to the tactile feedback and auditory engagement of the Creamy Purple Pro or the smooth, peaceful precision of the Strawberry. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means they share similarities in their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is desirable for many keyboard enthusiasts. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate’s stiffness, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound when keystrokes are executed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications, ensuring that the glow from the LED lights through the housing beautifully. Whether using the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the KTT Strawberry, users can expect a similar auditory experience due to these shared material properties in their top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly; the V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs nylon, while the KTT Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer quality, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry’s polycarbonate bottom housing will likely maintain a crisper and brighter sound, similar to the top housing. This difference in material influences the overall typing experience—while the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing’s properties will be more pronounced during the key bottom-out, thus giving each switch its unique auditory signature.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch results in different sound profiles that provide distinct typing experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s nylon bottom housing allows for a more rounded, softer sound when bottoming out, balanced by the sharpness of its polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry, with both its top and bottom made of polycarbonate, creates a more consistent, crisp sound across the board. For users seeking a mix of qualities from both switches, they may find the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s nylon bottom offers a fuller sound, while the KTT Strawberry provides a bright and consistent auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings that facilitate visual effects and sound clarity, the differing materials in their bottom housings yield varied tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation forces and bottom out forces that can influence user preference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch that still allows for comfortable prolonged use, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer response may lean towards the KTT Strawberry.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, catering to those who favor a more responsive feel typically preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper key press that can feel more substantial, appealing to users who appreciate a hearty depth in their switches. Eventually, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you value rapid actuation, the Akko V3 is your go-to, but if you prefer a more deliberate keystroke, the KTT Strawberry would be the better fit.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches produce a notably loud and bassier tonal profile, adding a prominent auditory dimension to your typing experience. This makes them particularly striking for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, typically offering a mellower and less intrusive audio experience. The smoother auditory signature of the Strawberries complements the tactile experience they provide, creating a balanced ambiance that might be more preferred in quieter environments. However, it’s important to note that the actual sound of either switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches are recognized for their invigorating tactile bump, which provides a distinct sensation upon actuation, allowing typists to easily identify when a key is registered. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more tactilely engaging switch. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry switches excel in providing a frictionless and silky typing experience, characterized by their buttery smoothness. This means that key presses are seamless and effortless, offering an almost luxurious feel to each keystroke. The polished finish of the Strawberries adds to this overall sensation, making them a fantastic choice for those who prioritize smooth key travel and minimal resistance.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and KTT Strawberry switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a loud and bass-heavy sound paired with a distinctively tactile feel, ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy that pronounced feedback. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry switches deliver a low-pitched sound signature and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, perfect for those who favor a frictionless and polished keystroke. Your choice between these switches should be guided by your personal preferences, as each offers unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience with a pronounced bump and don't mind a louder keystroke, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option. Its light bottom out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a springy feel while typing, and it provides a robust auditory experience to accompany your typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and quiet typing experience, the KTT Strawberry linear switch may be more to your liking. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a delightful frictionless and silky touch, ensuring fluid keystrokes without noticeable resistance. This switch is perfect if you're looking for a refined typing experience that allows for seamless transitions between key presses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and quiet operation in your mechanical keyboard.
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