Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options, each providing a distinct typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, known for its pronounced tactile bump and a bass-heavy sound signature, appeals to users who crave dynamic feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, courtesy of its innovative POK material, which results in an incredibly creamy feel and a high-pitched clacky sound profile that many typists appreciate. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who value tactile engagement, the Vanilla Ice Cream is perfect for users who prioritize smoothness and acoustic clarity. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it's clear that both switches are designed to produce a high-pitched and crisp sound signature, albeit through different material constructs. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that enhances the switch's overall resonance and clarity. This characteristic ensures that when RGB lighting is applied, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, contributing both aesthetically and aurally. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary blend of "special mixed materials" for its top housing, which also aims to achieve a high-pitched, clacky sound profile. While the exact nature of these materials remains unspecified, the resulting auditory quality suggests a resonance vaguely comparable to that produced by the polycarbonate in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing that delivers a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics contribute to a diminished resonance, absorbing more sound than its harder counterparts. This results in a more muted bottom-out sound, complementing the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream uses POK (polyketone) material for its bottom housing, which is noted for its exceptional strength and wear resistance, contributing to a smooth feel during typing. The POK material's higher friction coefficient compared to nylon lends itself to a distinct typing experience, with added durability and shock resistance that elevates the overall interaction with the switch.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between these two switches suggest varying acoustic profiles and tactile sensations. While the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro leans towards a crisper upper register with a rounder bottom-end, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream achieves a clacky sound that might feel smoother due to its POK material. However, because the characteristics of one housing contribute to the overall experience of the switch, both can offer satisfying results in their own right. A user seeking a particular sound profile might find that, while the materials differ, the utilization of nylon and POK in conjunction with polycarbonate and proprietary mixes can yield complementary experiences, enabling a diverse auditory landscape tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are quite similar. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the heavier 43 grams of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. This means that the V3 is easier to press, potentially making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where less effort is required. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, with its greater actuation force, provides a firmer push, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, in terms of bottom out force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom out force of 48 grams. As a result, while both switches are classified as light, the Akko V3 has a lighter feel overall compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, offering a different tactile experience for users based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive key press, ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers, providing a deeper response during use. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker actuation, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, whereas the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream may satisfy those who favor a fuller key press experience.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 is characterized by a loud and bass-heavy profile, which provides a robust auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate a rich, resonant sound while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, setting it apart with a cleaner and sharper auditory experience. The contrast in sound profiles is palpable: if you prefer deeper, fuller sounds with a strong tactile presence, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will likely be more appealing, while those who enjoy bright, resonant notes may gravitate towards the Vanilla Ice Cream.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a pronounced tactile bump, creating a more engaging typing experience that allows users to feel each key press distinctly. This tactile feedback can enhance the tactile engagement and responsiveness, catering to typists who enjoy a more interactive feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is designed for a buttery and creamy typing experience that emphasizes smoothness. The seamless keystroke provided by these switches offers a fluidity that enables swift typing without the tactile interruptions found in the Creamy Purple Pro, making it ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted gliding over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a loud, bassy sound with a pronounced tactile bump for a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides high-pitched, clacky acoustics alongside a smooth, buttery feel. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, you can choose between the invigorating tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro or the seamless smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream, or even explore configurations that may provide similar results by considering your choice of board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump that offers a rich feedback and prefer a bassier, louder sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the switch for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate tactile sensations in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, buttery typing experience with a more refined and high-pitched sound signature, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is an excellent choice. Its lower 48-gram bottom-out force and creamy, resonant feel cater to typists who favor linear switches that glide effortlessly under their fingers, offering a clean and crisp auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you want the tactile gratification of the Purple Pro or the silky smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream, ensuring a keyboard experience that best suits your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
