TTC Brother vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and intended use. On one hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a delightful tactile experience with its crunchy sound and subtle tactile bump, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is tailored for gamers, boasting effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound, ideal for quick-paced gaming scenarios. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable choices for different preferences and purposes. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects in switches. However, the key difference lies in the nylon bottom housing of the Brother and V3 Silver Pro. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use this material.
While the top housing of both the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share similar characteristics due to their polycarbonate material, their nylon bottom housing provides a contrasting experience. The Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, with a focus on absorbing sound for a softer typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing also offers a deeper and fuller sound but with a slightly different tonality, showcasing the subtle differences in sound produced by different housing materials.
Overall, the combination of materials in the housing of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While both the Brother and V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a sharper sound profile, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing results in a nuanced difference in sound and typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound or a deeper tone, the housing materials of these keyboards offer a unique tactile and auditory experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Brother switch lacks information on the bottom out force, while the V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This means that while the Brother switch may feel lighter when initially pressing a key, the V3 Silver Pro switch will require more force to fully press down. This difference in force can impact the typing experience for users, with some preferring the lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, and others preferring the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly longer than the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Gamers may gravitate towards the TTC Brother for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to each key press. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to those who prefer a brighter sound profile. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions based on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, both the Brother and V3 Silver Pro switches are described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This feature promotes effortless typing and reduces finger fatigue during extended use, making them suitable for prolonged gaming sessions or work tasks. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience, highlighting the smoothness and refined feel of this linear switch compared to the Brother's tactile bump and easy actuation. Overall, the feel of either switch will offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience depending on your preference for linear or clicky switches.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in delivering a crunchy sound signature and a tactile typing experience with a light actuation force, appealing to clicky switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch focuses on providing a high-pitched sound and a smooth, low-impact typing feel suitable for gamers seeking quick response times. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ultimately ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience based on individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the type of experience you are looking for. If you are a fan of crisp and crunchy sounds with a satisfying tactile bump, the TTC Brother switch is a great choice for a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize effortless keystrokes, a light actuation force, and a smooth and buttery feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is tailored for gamers seeking speed and precision. Both switches have their unique characteristics suited for different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and gaming needs.
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