TTC Brother vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch both offer unique advantages. The TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is never burdensome. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a perfectly balanced tactile bump, this switch is a top favorite among clicky switch aficionados. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a great option for budget-conscious enthusiasts, offering a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel right out of the box. Whether you prefer the audible delight of the Brother or the creamy tactile feel of the Akko, both switches have their own strengths. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches designed for RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a different typing experience. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon for the bottom housing. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a unique typing experience compared to the top housing material.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may differ between the top and bottom, they both offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller typing experience, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in creating unique keyboard switches. Whether you prefer a crisper, resonant sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer a range of options to cater to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is evident that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force for the Brother switch is not specified, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams to bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Brother switch, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience for each switch, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Brother switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, either switch would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing, you may lean towards the Brother switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance between these two switches are minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 Brother clicky switch is best described as offering a crunchy sound signature, akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This satisfyingly audible experience is ideal for those who appreciate the distinct sound of clicky switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience. The Brother switch is further characterized as having a stepped feel, providing a tactile sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is noted for a feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, offering light press and a spring-like feedback sensation for responsive and smooth typing.
Overall, for those seeking a clicky switch with a crunchy sound and a tactile bump that strikes a balance between feedback and smooth keystrokes, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, making it ideal for those who prefer a vibrant auditory experience combined with a creamy tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a distinct tactile bump and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, then the TTC Brother clicky switch with its light actuation force and balanced tactile feedback is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a poppy, clacky sound and a lighter actuation force, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the perfect option. Consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision, and you'll find the switch that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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