TTC Bluish White vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Bluish White mechanical keyboard switch offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy feel and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a linear typing experience with a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation. The Bluish White switch is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', while the V3 Piano Pro switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky'. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, you may prefer one switch over the other. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
The key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The TTC Bluish White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted and rounded sound, offering a distinct typing experience from the Bluish White.
In terms of construction, the TTC Bluish White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more vibrant typing experience, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound for a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see that the Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Bluish White switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance and a firmer typing feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The tactile feedback and smoothness may vary between the two switches, with the Bluish White offering a tactile bump and the V3 Piano Pro providing a linear feel. Despite these differences, in terms of travel distance, both switches will offer a consistent typing experience with the same distance traveled.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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.
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, the TTC Bluish White offers a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro produces a sharp and snappy clacky sound that is characterized by its crisp and bright nature. Additionally, the V3 Piano Pro also features a resonant sound profile, giving a clean and sharp auditory feedback. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, with the Bluish White leaning towards a smoother and milder tone, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a more lively and percussive sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White switches are described as buttery and mild, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a gentle resistance. The stepped characteristic of the Bluish White provides a mild tactile feedback with subtle pre-travel and post-travel aspects. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation. Both switches are polished, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Bluish White offers a more subtle and polished typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro provides a bouncier and creamier sensation.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bluish White focuses on a low-pitched, buttery typing experience with a smooth and mild tactile feedback, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a clacky, bouncy typing feel with a sharp and lively sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer a more mellow and subtle tone or a lively and creamy feedback, both switches offer high-quality performance that will elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the TTC Bluish White tactile switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a lively and crisp sound signature, along with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch could be more suited to your taste. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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