Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT F2 both offer unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking a high-quality experience, with its smoothness and distinctive poppy and clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT F2 stands out with its hollow sound signature and lightly textured feel with each keystroke. While the Cream Black Pro is categorized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the F2 falls under feathery, mild, neutral, subdued, and subtle. These general pointers can help you in choosing the switch that best fits your preferences; 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT F2, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a more resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, the F2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in the V3 Cream Black Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone.
While both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the F2 employ polycarbonate for their top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a distinct sound profile characterized by its depth and fullness, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, maintaining clarity and resonance. This contrast in bottom housing materials affects the typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more muted and rounded sound when compared to the crisp and clear sound of the F2.
In considering how the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, with nylon creating a fuller sound in the V3 Cream Black Pro and polycarbonate providing a sharper tone in the F2. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing material choices.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is heavier than the KTT F2 linear switch when it comes to both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the F2 only needs 43 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option with a medium-light feel. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact the typing experience. Users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the KKT F2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the F2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The difference may not be significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the F2 more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 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 Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, catering to those who enjoy a more crisp audio experience. On the other hand, the KTT F2 presents a neutral sound profile with a subdued tone, making it a versatile option suitable for various settings. Both switches can deliver satisfactory sound quality, although the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards a more distinct and popping sound, while the F2 provides a more subtle and muffled auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a creamy and bouncy typing sensation, offering a smooth and lively keystroke experience. Additionally, the switches are described as snappy and polished, adding to the overall comfortable and refined feel when typing. In contrast, the KTT F2 offers a feathery and mild typing feel, requiring minimal effort from the fingers and providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. The F2 also has a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise level is a concern.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT F2 present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its high-pitched and creamy sound, along with its bouncy and polished typing feel, while the KTT F2 offers a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and subtle typing sensation. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get satisfying results depending on their personal preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound profile, typing experience, and overall user comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch versus the KTT F2 linear switch, it's important to keep in mind your preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique poppy and clacky sound accompanied by a smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a distinct hollow sound profile, and a lightly textured feel with each keystroke, the KTT F2 linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and bottom out force to ensure you select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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