Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Flame Red. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch that stands out for its budget-friendly price and high-quality performance. Offering a unique combination of a poppy and clacky sound, as well as a smooth feel, this switch is ideal for those who prioritize a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red is also a linear switch known for its visually appealing light diffuser, making it perfect for RGB keyboard enthusiasts. While typing on the Flame Reds, users can expect a weighty smoothness and a distinctive clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the Cream Black Pro and Flame Red switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it's essential to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine which one best suits your needs. Whether you prefer a creamy, bouncy switch like the Cream Black Pro or a polished, visually striking option like the Flame Red, understanding the nuances of each switch will help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Flame Red switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetics due to their composition. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Flame Red comes with a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. While polycarbonate is stiffer and more resonant, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. Both materials have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences in switch sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Flame Red switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While both housings share similar qualities due to their nylon composition, the way they interact with the key press can differ slightly. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller tone compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. However, the overall sound experience of both switches is enhanced by the unique properties of nylon in their bottom housings.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each key press. While the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Flame Red switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, their top housings differ significantly in composition and resulting sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro creates a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Flame Red offers a deeper and fuller tone. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in customizing switch sound preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Flame Red linear switch's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Flame Red has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer heavier switches. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming.Ultimately, when comparing the two switches, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Flame Red has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Flame Red falls within the traditional range, offering a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro is shorter, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Flame Red providing a more traditional feel and the V3 Cream Black Pro catering to those who prefer shorter travel distances for increased responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch produces a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback. The Flame Red switch, on the other hand, provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a pleasurable typing sensation, but the specific qualities of each switch will appeal to different preferences. Again, personal preference and typing style will heavily influence which switch would be a better fit for an individual user.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Black Pro delivers a high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a sharper sound profile and a smooth, lively feel. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, suitable for those seeking a more moderate sound and a gentle, smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and visual appeal, so it is essential for newcomers to consider their typing habits and preferences when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy sound and smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a visually appealing switch with a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be a great option, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Whether you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and high-pitched sound of the V3 Cream Black Pro, or a medium-light bottom out force and polished feel of the Flame Red, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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