Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, some distinct differences emerge. The V3 Crystal Pro is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. While the Crystal Pro switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. If you prefer a bright and smooth typing experience, the Crystal Pro may be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a creamy and buttery feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be the better choice. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, contributing to the switch's overall performance.
While the V3 Crystal Pro and the Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience for users. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Crystal Pro creates a clear and resonant sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound, catering to individuals who enjoy a more tactile typing feel. Additionally, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances the smoothness and durability of the switch, ensuring a reliable performance over time.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics thanks to their distinct housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the V3 Crystal Pro or the high-pitched clackiness of the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream, you're likely to find a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The V3 Crystal Pro requires 48 grams of force for actuation and 60 grams for bottoming out, while the Vanilla Ice Cream needs only 43 grams for actuation and 48 grams for bottoming out. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in terms of force required, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial typing feel with its slightly heavier forces, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push during typing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users are likely to experience similar tactile feedback when typing or gaming with either switch. Overall, those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Akko V3 Crystal Pro more to their liking, while individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness may lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream.
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 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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a bright and chirpy sound signature, setting it apart with a unique acoustic profile. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, with a hint of marble-like resonance that adds a clean and sharp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, these distinct sound profiles cater to different typing preferences, with the Crystal Pro offering a more lively and chirpy experience and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a sharp and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, with a bouncy and polished feel that offers a spring-like feedback and refined finish for sleek key travel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience reminiscent of the dessert it is named after. With a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a luxurious and smooth typing experience for those who prefer a more buttery feel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal Pro excels in providing a chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its high-pitched, clacky sound and buttery, creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a bright and chirpy typing experience or a sharp and resonant sound, as well as a silky smooth feel versus a buttery and creamy sensation, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a bright and chirpy sound signature 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 lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and value a high-pitched and clacky sound profile with a smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences for typing feel and acoustics.
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