TTC Brother vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, can significantly impact your typing experience. The TTC Brother is renowned for its lightweight design, making it a breeze to actuate with just 37g of force, promoting a seamless typing flow that is both satisfying and efficient. Its characteristic crunchy sound adds an auditory pleasure to every keystroke, while the tactile bump offers just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a robust tactile experience thanks to its pronounced bump that ensures clear feedback with each press. This switch is tailored for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile sensation, complemented by a bass-heavy sound that enhances the typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Brother shines for its light and precise clicks ideal for rapid typing, while the Creamy Purple Pro appeals to those who appreciate a stronger tactile presence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
The TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, establishing a key similarity in their design. This material choice ensures a high-pitched, crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which facilitates a clear and resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches when paired with RGB lighting, making them ideal for enthusiasts who wish to emphasize their keyboard's illumination. Because both switches share this top housing material, users can expect a similar auditory performance when typing, marked by elevated sounds that resonate distinctly.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro are made from nylon, which brings a completely different characteristic to the overall performance of the switches. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts distinctly with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Consequently, the audible experience when typing on these switches is balanced: the polycarbonate top delivers crispness upon key release, while the nylon bottom contributes to a rounder bottom-out sound. This complementary relationship between the two materials adds depth to the overall auditory experience.
When considering the overall sound output and typing experience, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches leads to a distinctive sound profile. Although the individual materials produce contrasting sound characteristics—crisp and lively from the polycarbonate and fuller and warmer from the nylon—the integration of these materials allows typists to experience a well-rounded auditory outcome. This means that despite minor material differences, users can expect a satisfying balance of sounds when engaging with both the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, resulting in an engaging and pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is heavier than the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the Brother switch requires more force to register a keystroke, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unfortunately unknown, making it difficult to fully compare its overall feel against the Akko V3, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This heavier bottom out force of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro contributes to a more definitive feedback during typing, whereas the exact bottoming out experience of the Brother remains a mystery. Overall, the lighter actuation force of the Akko switch could be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may gravitate towards the TTC Brother switch despite the lack of complete data on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you opt for the Akko switch, you'll experience a more rapid response time, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quick key presses. On the other hand, the longer 3.5 mm travel distance of the Brother switch might offer a more satisfying and pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer deeper presses. In this comparison, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter option, while the TTC Brother is the longer switch, making your choice largely dependent on your personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its distinctively crunchy sound signature, akin to the satisfying sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This auditory feedback is sharp and clear, ideal for those who appreciate the clicky nature of switches, ensuring each keystroke is punctuated with a precise auditory cue. In comparison, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is noted to produce a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, which would provide a different tonal quality for users who might prefer a deeper resonance over the high-pitched click of the Brother. Due to the variations in sound profile, users may find that each switch offers an altogether unique acoustic experience in a mechanical keyboard setup, although the final output can be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the TTC Brother switch excels with its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it easy to press. This light resistance not only promotes a comfortable typing experience but also minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. Its tactile bump is present but not overwhelming, thanks to its stepped design, allowing for a sense of satisfaction without being too vigorous. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro aren’t detailed; however, it is reasonable to speculate that its tactile characteristics may also focus on providing an engaging typing experience, though the degree of tactile feedback may vary significantly based on its design intentions and user preferences.
In conclusion, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro bring unique qualities to the mechanical keyboard experience. The Brother switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a light, responsive touch combined with a crisp sound, whereas the Creamy Purple Pro offers a louder, bassier sound profile that may cater to users looking for a more robust auditory feedback. Ultimately, your experience with either switch will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, which can greatly enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, it comes down to your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you favor a lightweight and effortless typing experience, the Brother's breezy actuation combined with its crunchy sound signature will likely enhance your daily tasks, making typing feel effortlessly smooth while providing satisfying audio feedback. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who thrive on clicky feedback and enjoy a lighter touch, which can reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. Conversely, if you're looking for a more pronounced tactile experience and don’t mind a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will likely appeal to you with its robust tactile bump and louder, bassy sound profile. These characteristics can provide a sense of satisfaction and engagement, making it a go-to for those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory typing experience. In summary, choose the Brother for a lighter, more effortless clicky sensation, and opt for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro if you prefer a pronounced tactile feel combined with a deeper sound experience.
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