KTT Semi Mute vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute 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 Semi Mute and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out for their unique features and functionalities. The Semi Mute switch, despite its name, offers completely silent operation, perfect for creating a noise-free environment during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the KTT Semi Mute provides a comfortable and gratifying typing experience, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound. Featuring light actuation force and shortened travel distance, this switch is ideal for situations where every millisecond counts, categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your typing or gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and Akko V3 Silver Pro both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for light to shine through. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Semi Mute features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, while the V3 Silver Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of how these housing materials impact the typing experience, switches with polycarbonate bottom housings will have a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, switches with polycarbonate top housings will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. This means that the overall sound and feel of the switch will be a combination of the qualities brought by both the bottom and top housings. While the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing may create a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute, both switches will provide a unique typing experience based on the materials used in their housings.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Semi Mute and Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharper and crisper sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing by providing a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke action. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a unique dimension to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel, with each offering a distinct typing experience based on the materials used in their housings.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch showcase a noticeable difference. The KTT Semi Mute has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier. Additionally, the KTT Semi Mute requires 58 grams to bottom out, which is heavier than the 45 grams needed for the V3 Silver Pro. This makes the V3 Silver Pro a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and less strain on their fingers during extended use, the V3 Silver Pro would be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel may prefer the KTT Semi Mute. Ultimately, the weight difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offers users a choice based on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Semi Mute switch. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is best described as producing a muted and neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, the sound produced by each switch can vary.
In terms of feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is often characterized as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. The keystrokes feel seamless, effortless, and uniform, offering a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press and creamy, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a silky sensation when typing. These switches reduce finger fatigue and provide a low-impact typing feel that is comfortable for extended use.
Overall, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi Mute provides a muted and neutral sound with a buttery and mild feel, catering to those who prioritize a noise-free and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a high-pitched sound with an easy-to-press and creamy feel, ideal for gamers looking for quick and responsive keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences and use cases, both switches can deliver satisfying results, although with distinct characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a noise-free environment and enjoys a gratifying typing experience, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches specifically engineered to enhance gaming performance with a light actuation force, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your priorities - whether it is a quiet typing experience or improved gaming performance. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs.
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