Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, gamers may find themselves torn between two excellent linear options. The V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, boasting light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and precise keystrokes, along with a satisfying bassy sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers typists a smooth and creamy feel thanks to its use of POK material, creating a unique typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
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
13.8mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The V3 Silver Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro is known for its stiffness, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream is a special mix of materials that contributes to its unique sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness and durability, with wear resistance surpassing that of Nylon and POM. The POK material contributes to the overall smooth and clacky feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches, showcasing a different approach to enhancing the switch experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing.
While the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches bring their own unique advantages, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of qualities to be felt throughout the key press. The V3 Silver Pro emphasizes a clearer and resonant sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing for smoothness and durability. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Silver Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, while their bottom out forces are 45 grams and 48 grams, respectively. Both switches provide a smooth and light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, either switch would still offer a relatively light experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and feel during typing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, especially for gaming. Gamers may appreciate the V3 Silver Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes and potentially faster gameplay. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a slightly deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the V3 Silver Pro offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch providing a slightly longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are described as high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. While the V3 Silver Pro offers a bassy sound profile that caters to certain preferences, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with a clacky sound signature that differentiates it from the competition. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile, as both switches offer a distinct auditory experience that can enhance the typing or gaming experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are noted for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience that is seamless and uniform. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue and enhance the overall typing feel, but the V3 Silver Pro focuses more on low-impact typing feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes smoothness and ease of keystrokes.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Silver Pro excels in providing a bassy sound profile and an easy-to-press typing experience, ideal for gamers seeking light actuation force and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream impresses with its high-pitched and resonant sound signature, along with a buttery and creamy feel that enhances typing comfort and smoothness. Both switches have their strengths, and the choice between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the specific needs and preferences for your typing or gaming experience. If you prioritize a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quicker keystrokes in intense gaming scenarios, the Akko V3 Silver Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your desired feel and sound when typing or gaming.
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