Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Mallo, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches offer a gentle tactility and a medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is more accented and polished, the Mallo is feathery and subtle. Both switches have their unique appeal, catering to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Mallo, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards have the same top housing material, they may differ in the bottom housing material. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mallo also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Despite the similarities in top housing material, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Mallo may exhibit differences in sound and feel due to their varying bottom housing materials. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Mallo. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, users may notice variations in sound and tactility between the two keyboards, even though they share the same top housing material.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Mallo offer a comparison of housing materials that highlight the importance of both top and bottom housings in determining the overall sound profile of a keyboard. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housing for a clear and crisp sound, the choice of nylon bottom housing in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Mallo. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the typing experience, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Mallo's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is also considered medium-light. This means that in terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience, allowing for comfortable typing over extended periods. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use, either of these switches would be suitable. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may want to explore other options with heavier actuation forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Mallo will come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall in the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking fast response times. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quick and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that adds an element of delight to typing, while the KTT Mallo switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound signature that is not overpowering but provides just the right amount of feedback without being too loud. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience that provides a satisfying tactile bump without being too pronounced. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing feel that is gentle and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort, catering to different preferences among users.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and KTT Mallo switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a tactile bump that adds a touch of delight to typing, while the KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral sound signature and a gentle tactility for a comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a subtle typing feel, both switches are designed to enhance your overall typing experience and cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience that can be customized to suit individual preferences depending on sound and tactile feedback preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you're looking for a switch with a higher-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and a bouncy, polished feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature, gentle tactility, and a feathery, subtle feel, the KTT Mallo could be more suited to your preferences. Each switch caters to different typing experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing environment you prefer. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different users, so consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and preferences before making your decision.
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