Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, the two linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Piano Pro is celebrated for its Piano Pro switches, known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, all housed in an attractive pink and clear housing. While the V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Strawberry provides a low-pitched and buttery feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the KTT Strawberry offer distinct sound profiles due to their differences in material composition. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. These differences in material result in unique typing experiences for users, with the V3 Piano Pro offering a duller and rounder sound, while the KTT Strawberry provides a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role in the overall design of the switches. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing gives a classic and understated look, while the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate housing offers a more modern and sleek appearance, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material allows for a visually appealing lighting effect that adds a dynamic touch to the keyboard setup. Despite their differences, both housing materials are durable and high-quality options for mechanical keyboard switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches may be different, the overall typing experience is influenced by the qualities of both materials. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Ultimately, whether opting for the V3 Piano Pro with its nylon housing or the KTT Strawberry with its polycarbonate housing, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. This makes the V3 Piano Pro a medium-light switch overall, while the Strawberry falls into the medium category. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces offer users varying levels of typing experiences. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the V3 Piano Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the stronger push feel of the Strawberry for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. The V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly shallower key press compared to the Strawberry, which may appeal to those seeking a faster and more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a bit more depth in each key press, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the travel distance that best suits individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile that can be immersive and clean. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Piano Pro being more vibrant and percussive, while the Strawberry leans towards a smoother and potentially more relaxing typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, providing a lively and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek finish. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is reported to have a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. While both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, the Piano Pro seems to focus more on bounce and lubrication features, while the Strawberry emphasizes a sense of ease and fluidity in key pressing.
Considering the subjective features of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it's evident that they offer distinct sound and feel characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Piano Pro excels in providing a snappy sound signature and a lively tactile experience, while the Strawberry emphasizes a comfortable and reliable performance with a smooth actuation and feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a vibrant and crisp sound profile with a bouncy typing feel (Piano Pro) or a mellow sound with a frictionless and buttery typing sensation (Strawberry). Regardless of your decision, both switches are designed to deliver a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a snappy sound signature with smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and seek a smooth actuation with a comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry could be the ideal switch for your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile along with bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro may be more appealing to you. Alternatively, if you prefer low-pitched sound and features like frictionless, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience, the KTT Strawberry might be the better fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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