KTT Lightning vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Lightning and Akko V3 Silver Pro are both linear switches designed for optimal gaming performance, but they offer different advantages depending on your preferences. The Lightning switches are ideal for those who value speed and precision, with a clacky sound profile and a polished feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switches are tailored specifically for gamers, offering a creamy typing experience with a bassy sound and light actuation force for quick keystrokes. 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
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we find that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with clear housings as it allows for the transmission of RGB lighting. With similar top housing materials, users can expect to experience comparable sound qualities and aesthetics when using either keyboard.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The KTT Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, which results in a sound that is duller and rounder. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience with the same deeper and fuller sound profile. This shows that the keyboards share a commonality in the bottom housing material, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Lightning and the Akko V3 Silver Pro contributes to a unique typing experience for users. The differences in sound profiles between the two keyboards can be attributed to their individual housing materials. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound from nylon, both keyboards offer a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter side of the spectrum. The Lightning 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. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be very noticeable during use, as they both offer a comfortable and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch is 3 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can create a noticeable variation in key feel and overall typing experience. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Lightning switch, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper press may opt for the V3 Silver Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Lightning 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
Based on the sound descriptions, the KTT Lightning switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch also has a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp noise. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a high-pitched sound profile, both switches would provide a similar auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning switch is described as subtle and polished, offering a light typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch is easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and reduced finger fatigue. The V3 Silver Pro switch seems to focus more on enhancing the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel compared to the Lightning switch.
In conclusion, if you are in need of speed switches that can potentially make a difference in competitive gaming situations, the KTT Lightning linear switch with its clacky sound and subtle feel might be the way to go. However, if you are looking for switches specifically engineered for gamers with a focus on effortless keystrokes and reduced finger fatigue, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with its high-pitched sound and creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the type of use case that best aligns with your needs. If you are a competitive gamer looking for speed and precision, the Lightning switch may be the better choice for you. The Lightning switch is known for its light bottom out force and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for scenarios where quick keystrokes can make a difference. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch tailored specifically for gaming with a light actuation force and pleasing sound profile, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your typing style and preferences when making your decision.
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