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KTT Laurel vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro

An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are certain distinctions that set them apart. The KTT Laurel is renowned for its medium-light feel, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, providing effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for those situations where speed is of the essence. While both switches have their own unique strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific 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

43g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

1.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22m spring

Spring

13.8mm spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to the materials used. The Laurel's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for RGB lighting, as it is translucent. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM bottom housing and the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a fuller sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound.

While the Laurel and the V3 Silver Pro offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both ultimately aim to provide a pleasing typing experience. The POM top housing of the Laurel and the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro each have their own characteristics that contribute to the overall typing feel and sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel and the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro play a role in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the differences in materials used, both keyboards are designed to offer an enjoyable typing experience for users.

Overall, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Silver Pro may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. The POM and polycarbonate housing materials each offer their own unique characteristics, with the POM providing a more muted sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro may appeal to those who prefer a duller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Laurel offers a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, both keyboards offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light weights. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In terms of actuation force, the V3 Silver Pro is slightly lighter than the Laurel, but both fall within the light category. When it comes to bottom out force, the Laurel requires slightly more force than the V3 Silver Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch would provide similar results due to their comparable weights. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, they may find the Laurel to be slightly heavier than the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Laurel switch for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. On the other hand, those looking for quicker response times may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.

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 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.

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 profile, which typically indicates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its pleasing bassy sound, suggesting a sharper and crisper tone when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Laurel leaning towards a more subdued tone while the V3 Silver Pro producing a more pronounced sound.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is likely due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making each key press feel more alive. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro is also described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, all pointing towards a smooth and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel provides a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a bassy sound and an easy-to-press, creamy typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the Laurel and V3 Silver Pro comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user, whether it be for gaming, work, or everyday typing tasks.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a subtle low-pitched sound profile, and a snappy typing experience, the KTT Laurel switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a slightly lighter bottom out force, a pleasing bassy sound, and an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, or silky typing feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you prefer and what features are most important to you.

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