KTT Orange vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Orange switch is favored for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound signature, smooth actuation, and pleasing tactile experience. While the Orange switch excels in providing a refined and fluid key travel, the Piano Pro switch offers a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Akko V3 Piano Pro provide different sound profiles due to their unique characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Orange creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a more rounded and duller tone. While both materials are suitable for switch housings, they cater to different preferences in sound profile.
On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange and the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro both contribute to the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a clear and resonant typing experience. Conversely, the softer nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller bottom-out sound. Despite their differences in material, both bottom housings aim to improve the tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys.
In cases where the top and bottom housings differ within a switch, the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. This impacts the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it is the polycarbonate and nylon housings of the Orange and V3 Piano Pro, respectively, each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it can be seen that the actuation force and bottom out force are fairly similar. The KTT Orange has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams, but both have a medium-light feel. However, the bottom out force of the Orange is 53 grams, which is lighter than the V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. The difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the V3 Piano Pro, while the lighter bottom out force of the Orange may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, with the V3 Piano Pro being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that whether you choose the Orange or the V3 Piano Pro, you will get similar results in terms of travel distance. With this information, it can be said that both switches offer a similar typing experience in this regard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano 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 Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound signature, producing sharp, snappy sounds with a higher-pitched tone. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Orange switch aiming for a smoother, low-pitched sound while the V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a livelier, crisp sound.
Moving on to the feel, both the KTT Orange and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively key presses. The Orange switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key travel with minimal resistance. Meanwhile, the V3 Piano Pro switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a refined finish. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing feel with smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, while the KTT Orange and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer slightly different sound and feel profiles, they both provide high-quality typing experiences with their own unique characteristics. Whether you choose the Orange for its low-pitched sound and frictionless feel, or the V3 Piano Pro for its clacky sound and creamy, polished sensation, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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