Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Laurel, both linear switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is well-known for its budget-friendly price point without compromising on quality. This switch is praised for its unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and categorized as 'creamy', 'high-pitched', 'bouncy', 'snappy', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel offers a medium-light linear switch experience, with a full POM housing and a balance of responsiveness and comfort. It is categorized as 'low-pitched' and 'snappy'. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics and advantages, providing a tailored experience for different 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Laurel both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Laurel's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon material provides a fuller and rounder sound, while the Laurel's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound that enhances the typing experience.
While the V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Laurel have different top and bottom housing materials, they both excel in creating a satisfying typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro is ideal for users who enjoy a sharper and more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Laurel caters to those who prefer a deeper and more muted sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Laurel complements the overall deep sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the KTT Laurel will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Laurel provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top and bottom housing. However, users can expect a pleasing and unique sound from both switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with clearer resonances or a deeper sound with more muted tones, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the Laurel is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Laurel offers a lighter touch that may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances when compared to the most traditional distance of 4.0 mm. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the Laurel switch with its longer travel distance to be more to their liking. Overall, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Laurel, both switches offer a similar experience and can cater to different preferences.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and sharp tone, while the KTT Laurel switch provides a low-pitched and mellow sound profile. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, especially for those who have a preference for a particular pitch in their switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch boasts a creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with a spring-like feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience with lively feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, catering to a variety of typing styles.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Laurel switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches are great options in their own right for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and creamy typing experience or a low-pitched and snappy feel, these switches provide quality performance at their respective price points. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and KTT Laurel switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience with a unique poppy and clacky sound, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, snappy typing experience with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, then the KTT Laurel linear switch would be the better option for you. Consider these factors carefully and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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