Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Brown mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a linear switch and a tactile switch. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch that is best known for its unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and overall budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, creating a balanced typing experience. While the Cream Black Pro may appeal to those who prefer a high-pitched and bouncy feel, the Gold Brown is ideal for individuals looking for a softer, buttery typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Brown, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that both switches will provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal from both switches when it comes to the top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to stiffer plastic bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a more distinct typing experience in terms of sound and feel with the bottom housing material differing between the two switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities brought by the different housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Brown will have a noticeable impact. The bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, while both switches share polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials will result in distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial keystroke activation. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Gold Brown's 63 grams, making it slightly heavier overall. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push, while the Gold Brown offers a lighter touch that lends itself well to extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Black Pro leaning towards a heavier feel and the Gold Brown offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Gold Brown provides a more substantial keystroke depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed or a solid key press feel. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 is known for its high-pitched and sharp sound, providing a crisp and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for various environments and users. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit based on their auditory preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a spring-like feedback and super responsiveness. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke, alongside a medium level of tactility. Both switches offer refined and polished typing experiences, with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro leaning towards a more bouncy and snappy feel, while the TTC Gold Brown offers a softer and more uniform sensation.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch each have their own unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched sound and a bouncy, snappy feel, the Gold Brown provides a more neutral sound profile and a mild, buttery typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for users seeking specific sound and feel characteristics in their mechanical keyboards, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy sound and smooth feeling, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize sound and smoothness (V3 Cream Black Pro) or balance and tactile feedback (Gold Brown). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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