Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. The Crystal Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', 'Polished', while the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild'. When considering which switch to choose, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon feature clear housings, with the translucent polycarbonate showcasing the internal components. However, while both switches offer similar visual appeal, they differ in the sound profile generated by their housing materials. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro contribute to a sharper and crisper sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a unique mix of resonance and depth in its sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharper sound, but the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience not found in the V3 Crystal Pro. Whichever switch you choose, the housing materials will play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound of the keyboard.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the V3 Crystal Pro requiring 60 grams and the Sea Salt Lemon needing 53 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly firmer typing experience with the V3 Crystal Pro, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a lighter touch. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sea Salt Lemon for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem small, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Crystal Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Regardless, both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances and will offer similar results in terms of functionality.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 chirpy and unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, making it a more bass-heavy option. Both switches offer a different sound profile, with the Crystal Pro being bright and chirpy while the Sea Salt Lemon has a more neutral and moderate sound suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy and lively feedback sensation, providing a spring-like feel with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Crystal Pro having a more vibrant and rebounding feel while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more subtle and middle-ground sensation.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Pro is characterized by its chirpy sound and bouncy feel, providing a unique and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched sound and a mild typing sensation, making it a more neutral and approachable option. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can provide an enjoyable and smooth typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the better option. Both switches offer a medium to medium-light bottom out force, catering to a wide range of users. Ultimately, deciding between these two switches will depend on what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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