Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for typists to consider. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, this switch offers a buttery and resonant typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual typing style and 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, they both offer unique benefits to the overall sound profile of the switches. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffness. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, providing a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Despite the difference in material, both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, whether one prefers a sharp and resonant sound or a clacky and high-pitched tone.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing offers a smooth and durable experience with its strong wear resistance and shock resistance properties. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro focuses on creating a duller and rounder sound with nylon, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness and durability with its POK material. Both bottom housing materials cater to different sound preferences and offer unique typing experiences.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream contribute to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro focuses on sharper and more resonant sounds with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers high-pitched and clacky tones with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Whether one prefers a clear and sharp sound or a clacky and smooth typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, giving it a lighter touch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with weight being a crucial factor to consider for long typing sessions or gaming marathons.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. Gamers looking for a faster response time may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel depth.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile, providing a crisp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, adding a unique touch to the typing process. Both switches deliver distinctive sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as providing an accented tactile bump, giving users a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This creates a satisfying typing sensation with a spring-like feedback. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The application of lubricant in the switch adds to the seamless and effortless typing sensation, making each keystroke feel silky and effortless.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch each bring their unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a bouncy tactile experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream provides a smooth and creamy feel with a marbly sound signature. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences and typing styles, so users can expect a delightful and tailored typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream may better suit your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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