Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Purple Click are both popular choices in the world of mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro boasts a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, while maintaining a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light yet tactile keystrokes that strike a perfect balance. Both switches have their own set of qualities that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Purple Click boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing also contributes to the deep and round sound profile, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Purple Click share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This nylon bottom housing enhances the sound profile of both switches, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience due to its sound-absorbing properties and softer plastic composition. Therefore, whether you choose the V3 Piano Pro or the Purple Click, you can expect a similar sound profile and typing feel from the shared nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Purple Click ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a mellower and rounder typing experience, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing provides a more crisp and resonant sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a deep and full sound profile regardless of the top housing material chosen. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper sound with the V3 Piano Pro or a sharper sound with the Purple Click, you can expect a quality typing experience from either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can see that the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 40 grams of the Purple Click. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light in terms of typing feel. The difference in actuation force might result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Purple Click, which could be preferred by those looking for a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's slightly heavier actuation force might provide a bit more feedback and resistance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the V3 Piano Pro the shorter of the two switches, offering a quicker response time preferred by many gamers. On the other hand, the Purple Click provides a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer a more traditional and deeper feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy sound profile with a higher pitch for an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound, resembling stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves and delivering a clean and sharp sound profile. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can enhance the typing sensation, depending on the user's preference for a crisper or crunchier sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics, offering a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery typing experience, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is described as invigorating and stepped, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, snappy and reactive feel, as well as a two-stage tactile sensation. While both switches offer tactile feedback and different levels of actuation force, the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a smoother and more polished feel, while the KTT Purple Click offers a more invigorating and reactive typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer a snappy and resonant sound with a bouncy and silky typing feel, or a crunchy and resonant sound with an invigorating and stepped tactile sensation, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment and satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a snappy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced feedback, the Purple Click is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the auditory and tactile qualities that align most with your personal typing preferences.
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