KTT Laurel vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some distinct differences to consider. The KTT Laurel is praised for its medium-light feel, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, offering a perfect blend of responsiveness and comfort with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches boast a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation process, contributing to a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Laurel switch is characterized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Snappy', the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a variety of qualities like 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize unique housing materials for their switches. The Laurel features POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro incorporates nylon top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing distinct sound profiles.
While the POM housing of the Laurel focuses on a pleasing and unique sound on the deeper side, the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro elicits a fuller and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller tone compared to the sharper sound of POM. This contrast in sound characteristics between the two housing materials offers users a choice in the typing experience they prefer, whether it be a deeper and muted sound or a fuller and rounder sound.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housings on a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both the POM and nylon housings offer unique attributes that cater to individual preferences, providing users with a variety of options to customize their typing sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will depend on whether one prefers a deeper and muted sound or a fuller and rounder typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro needs 55 grams, making it slightly heavier as well. Both switches fall in the lighter to medium-light range, with the Laurel being the lighter option overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Laurel for longer typing sessions, while individuals looking for a bit more resistance might opt for the V3 Piano Pro for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is the same, both at 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from top to bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent and comparable typing experience with no significant differences in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which typically results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound signature, producing sharp, snappy, and higher-pitched tones while typing. The auditory experience with the Laurel switch leans towards a smoother and more tranquil sound, while the Piano Pro switch offers a livelier and more percussive sound quality. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Laurel linear switch is characterized as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience that feels alive due to its construction with a longer pole design. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. This combination of descriptors suggests that the Piano Pro switch offers a tactile experience that is smooth, elastic, refined, and exceptionally smooth, resulting in keys that feel lively and effortless to press.
Considering the overall comparison, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a snappy feel, while the Piano Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. If you prefer a more tranquil and mellow auditory experience with a snappy feel, the Laurel switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively, crisp sound accompanied by a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the Piano Pro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that regardless of the choice made, the user will receive a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile while enjoying a snappy and responsive typing experience, the KTT Laurel linear switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a clacky and resonant sound signature, along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when deciding between the two.
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