Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, one can see clear distinctions in their design and characteristics. The V3 Piano Pro is praised for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Sea Salt Lemon is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it is clear that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon plastic. The absorption of sound by nylon also creates a duller and rounder sound, making for a satisfying typing experience on both keyboards.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their choice of top housing material. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for the top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is consistent with the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon opts for polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials leads to a distinct typing experience between the two keyboards, with the V3 Piano Pro offering a deeper sound while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro may not offer the same visual flair but still provides a classic and reliable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference in typing sound and feel, as well as the desire for RGB lighting effects.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-light in terms of weight. When considering weight, some users may prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a deeper and more satisfying key press with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences based on personal preferences, where one prioritizes speed and the other prioritizes a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance in your switch.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch delivers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with a lively and elastic feedback sensation that is smooth and buttery. On the contrary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable, standing in a safe middle-ground zone of comfort and tactility. While the Piano Pro switch provides a more dynamic and varied tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a consistent and gentle typing feel.
Overall, choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a snappy and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy tactile feel, the Piano Pro switch may be the better choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and gentle typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer smooth actuation and a pleasant typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of overall quality, regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a snappy sound with a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring, the Sea Salt Lemon could be more to your liking. In terms of sound, the V3 Piano Pro offers a clacky and resonant experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral tone. When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensation, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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