KTT Darling vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, a decision must be made based on personal preferences and typing style. The KTT Darling offers a unique typing sensation that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Darling delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while maintaining a pleasing tactile experience. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Piano Pro provide different sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its acoustic properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Darling and the V3 Piano Pro use nylon, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. When typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent tactile experience and sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is especially noticeable on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for both the Darling and the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch allows for a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both the Darling and the V3 Piano Pro offer users a high-quality typing experience, with the housing materials contributing to the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switches. Whether using polycarbonate or nylon, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Darling is a bit lighter overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent and familiar results when using either switch, as the travel distance is identical. This makes the decision between the two switches easier, as you can choose based on other factors such as actuation force or sound profile, knowing that the travel distance will be the same.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch also features a clacky and resonant sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to typing. Both switches share some similarities in sound qualities, offering users a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy responsiveness and a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch also offers a bouncy feel along with additional descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky, ensuring a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. While the Darling switch focuses on a bouncy and substantial feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch enhances smoothness and tactile satisfaction, giving users a variety of sensations to enjoy while typing.
Overall, both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique and engaging typing experiences. While the Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Piano Pro switch stands out with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, enhanced by creamy and silky switch characteristics. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, ultimately ensuring a pleasant mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should first determine your preferences for typing sensation and sound. If you prefer a chewy and substantial typing experience with pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the KTT Darling switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation, along with a bouncy feel complemented by creamy, polished, and silky textures, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics to optimize your overall typing experience.
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