Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Rose mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two linear options with unique characteristics to consider. The V3 Crystal Pro is praised for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose stands out for its use of progressive springs, offering a substantial yet not heavy typing experience with a pleasant bassy raindrop sound. While the Crystal Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the Rose is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and appeal, providing a different typing experience for users. 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and KTT Rose both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. On the other hand, the KTT Rose stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some users may prefer.
In terms of aesthetics, both the V3 Crystal Pro and KTT Rose offer clear housings that showcase the materials used. While polycarbonate is more popular for its stiffness and ability to create a clear and resonant sound profile, nylon in the Rose adds a unique depth to the typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housing in both keyboards ensures a consistent and vibrant appearance, while the contrasting nylon bottom housing in the Rose offers a distinct tactile and auditory experience for users who enjoy a softer sound profile.
When using switches with different top and bottom housing materials like the V3 Crystal Pro and KTT Rose, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. While both keyboards offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience that reflects the characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon in their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which does not specify an actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Rose switch is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, while the V3 Crystal Pro is 60 grams. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a balanced typing experience with a medium actuation and bottom out force, ideal for those who want a mix of responsiveness and resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Both switches would provide similar results in terms of weight, so the choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Rose linear switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers seeking faster input may prefer the V3 Crystal Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the KTT Rose. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique and chirpy sound profile, giving it a distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, reminiscent of bassy raindrops. Depending on personal preference, the V3 Crystal Pro might appeal to those who enjoy a slightly squeaky sound, while the Rose switch is suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to the user's individual sound preferences and how it complements their overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch offers a bouncy and polished typing experience. The keys are described as having a lively feel with a spring-like feedback sensation, coupled with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches prioritize a smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
In summary, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the V3 Crystal Pro boasts a chirpy sound and bouncy typing experience, the Rose switch provides a low-pitched and mellow sound, complemented by a mild and polished feel. Depending on whether a user prefers a more vibrant or subtle typing experience, they can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches promise a smooth and refined typing experience, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bassy raindrop sound and a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, the Rose may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what sound and feel you enjoy most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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