KTT Mint vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are two popular options to consider. The KTT Mint is praised for its smooth linear switch, offering a satisfying typing experience with a distinct poppy thockiness. It is described as having a light and fleeting type feel, perfect for those who prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, providing effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. With light actuation force and shortened travel distance, this switch is ideal for situations where quick response times are critical. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role in creating a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for enhancing sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the KTT Mint provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro. Nylon is known for its softness, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the use of nylon in the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The KTT Mint offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches based on the housing materials that best suit their needs.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams, making the Mint switch a bit more resistant to accidental keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mint switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Mint switch provides a firmer typing experience when fully pressed, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a smoother and lighter typing feel overall. So, if you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the V3 Silver Pro would be a better choice, while those who prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience might lean towards the KTT Mint linear switch. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the V3 Silver Pro due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press and deeper feel may lean towards the KTT Mint switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience an individual is looking for.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Mint providing a smoother and more subtle typing experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro's more pronounced and satisfying bassy sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Mint focusing on a safe middle-ground zone and the V3 Silver Pro enhancing the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a silky sensation with each keystroke.
Overall, the KTT Mint linear switch is ideal for those looking for a smooth and neutral sound with a polished and mild typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch caters to gamers and users who prioritize a high-pitched and bassy sound profile, coupled with an easy-to-press and creamy typing experience for effortless and comfortable typing sessions. Depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness while typing, the KTT Mint linear switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered for fast and effortless keystrokes with a light bottom out force of 45 grams, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be the ideal option. Consider the sound and feel profiles as well - the Mint offers a low-pitched and polished typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro provides high-pitched, easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky sensations. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and intended use.
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