Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro features snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the V3 Piano Pro is described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, and high-pitched. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience, they provide different tonal qualities to cater to varying preferences in sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Piano Pro also utilizes nylon, which contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material offers superior wear resistance and shock resistance compared to nylon, resulting in smooth, clacky, and durable switches. These differences in bottom housing materials highlight how each switch prioritizes different aspects such as sound quality and durability to enhance the overall typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch, their impact can be felt differently during typing. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Regardless of these differences, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream strive to provide a satisfying typing experience by combining unique housing materials to create distinct sound signatures. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Piano Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in comparison to the Vanilla Ice Cream's actuation force of 43 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the V3 Piano Pro switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the preferred choice, allowing for longer typing periods or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch would appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it can be said that they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. By having the same travel distance, users can expect consistent feedback and typing feel from both switches. Whether you choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, you can be assured that you will get a satisfying amount of travel distance when typing.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, characterized by sharp and bright sound profiles with a lively tactile response, adding a crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and marbly sound signature, offering typists a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of two billiard balls colliding. Both switches excel in providing unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Piano Pro having a snappier sound and the Vanilla Ice Cream showcasing a more high-pitched and resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy and silky typing experience, delivering a spring-like feedback sensation with smooth and buttery keystrokes. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and sleek key travel for a refined typing experience. Similarly, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, providing typists with a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding across the keys with ease. Both switches prioritize smoothness and tactile feedback, offering users a premium typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities, they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a lively and crisp sound signature with bouncy and silky keystrokes, while the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched and marbly sound profile accompanied by a buttery and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy, resonant sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched, marbly sound profile, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure that you choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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