KTT Grapefruit vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Grapefruit and Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct experiences for users. The KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch with a light and soft feel, known for its unique "baritone" sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is also a linear switch but specifically designed for gamers, featuring effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. While the Grapefruit switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the V3 Silver Pro switch boasts qualities like 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch has its own advantages - the Grapefruit for its lightness and unique sound, and the V3 Silver Pro for its responsiveness and gaming-centric design. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches share this top housing material, the specific design of the housings may vary slightly, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switches.
On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in their bottom housings, with the Grapefruit featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silver Pro utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, polycarbonate is stiffer and contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing material will impact the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Overall, while both switches may share similarities in their top housings with polycarbonate, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the KTT Grapefruit creates a unique typing experience with dual sound profiles, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro's use of polycarbonate throughout may provide a more consistent sound throughout typing. The contrasting bottom housing materials highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Grapefruit has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Grapefruit requires 53 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams. This means that the Grapefruit provides a medium-light typing experience, whereas the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Grapefruit would be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a lighter keypress may find the V3 Silver Pro more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Grapefruit offers a traditional travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Grapefruit for its longer travel distance which can provide a more satisfying key press, while those looking for a faster response time may opt for the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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
When it comes to sound quality, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone suitable for various environments without being too distracting. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more vivid auditory feedback during typing sessions. It's important to consider that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized as creamy, offering a buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys with each stroke. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing different levels of smoothness and comfort to cater to individual preferences.
Taking all available information into account, it's evident that the KTT Grapefruit and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Grapefruit switch focuses on a neutral and polished typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the V3 Silver Pro switch emphasizes a high-pitched sound with an easy-to-press and creamy feel, prioritizing responsiveness and comfort for gamers. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, typing feel, and the intended use case, ensuring that users can select the switch that best suits their needs for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are key factors to consider. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with low-pitched tones, the Grapefruit may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a switch with a light bottom out force, easy-to-press feel, and a high-pitched sound profile, the V3 Silver Pro might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for feel, sound, and intended use of the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
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