KTT Pine vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The KTT Pine is a linear switch renowned for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and overall effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is also a linear switch designed specifically with gamers in mind, offering a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound with every keystroke. While the Pine switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Silver Pro switch excels in providing quick and easy key presses for gaming scenarios. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for users who want to add RGB lighting to their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
While both the KTT Pine and Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Pine maintains consistency with its polycarbonate bottom housing, ensuring that the qualities of the material are prominent throughout the switch. This results in a more uniform sound and feel when typing, with the stiffer plastic contributing to a clear bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a softer feel and absorbs more sound, leading to a quieter and more muted typing experience. Users may prefer the Pine for its consistent sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro appeals to those looking for a more subdued typing feel.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Pine and Akko V3 Silver Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Pine delivering a sharper and clearer sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Whether you prioritize clarity and resonance or a softer sound with more absorption, both switches have something to offer for different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Pine linear switch to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Pine has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams, making the V3 Silver Pro the lighter option. Similarly, the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that the Pine is also heavier in this aspect. The actuation force of the Pine is medium, while the V3 Silver Pro is considered light. This means that the Pine switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces in a keyboard.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option when it comes to keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is preferred by many gamers for its faster response times. If you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance for quick and precise key presses, the V3 Silver Pro may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, the Pine switch with its longer travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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.
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 Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as high-pitched, giving a sharp and crisp sound when activated. Depending on your preference, the Pine will give you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the V3 Silver Pro will offer a more sharp and crisp sound. Ultimately, the choice of sound is subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offers an easy-to-press and creamy feel, making typing effortless and comfortable with minimal force required for activation. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as feathery, reducing finger fatigue and providing a light and comfortable typing experience. Both switches incorporate a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel with a silky sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics tailored to different preferences. While the Pine provides a bassy and low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro delivers a high-pitched sound along with an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance. However, both switches offer smooth key travel and a polished finish for an improved typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize light actuation force, easy-to-press keys, and a more high-pitched sound profile, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and whether you value a smoother, creamier feel or a more effortless, easy-to-press experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities suited to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal typing needs.
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