Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Silver both offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 stands out for its budget-friendly price without compromising on quality, featuring a unique poppy and clacky sound and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness with shortened travel, providing a solid bottom-out and a smooth journey from press to bottoming out. While the Cream Black Pro offers a bouncy and high-pitched experience, the Gold Silver provides a polished and thocky feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Gold Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housings, they may differ in terms of their bottom housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gold Silver utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This choice of material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a more rounded and dull sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. Despite the similarities in their bottom housing material, the overall typing experience and sound profile may still vary between the two switches.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials, whether polycarbonate or nylon, brings distinct qualities to the overall typing experience of a switch. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of sound profiles that are impacted by the characteristics of each material. While the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, understanding the properties of these materials can help users determine which switch aligns best with their typing preferences and needs.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we see that the Gold Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's 55 grams. The bottom out force of the V3 Cream Black Pro is also heavier at 65 grams, while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver may be preferred by those who type for extended periods, while the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the V3 Cream Black Pro can provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The difference may not be significant, but for some users, even a small variance in travel distance can impact the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro for faster response times, while others who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Gold Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 switches are known for their high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, providing a unique and poppy auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switches offer a thocky low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and satisfying tone with every keystroke. While the Cream Black Pro has a sharper sound profile, the Gold Silver provides a more bass-heavy and rich sound, catering to different preferences. Both switches ensure a pleasant typing experience, but the sound produced will vary depending on the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are described as creamy and bouncy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switches are polished and silky, providing a refined finish and exceptionally smooth key travel. The Cream Black Pro switches are known for their buttery feel during typing, while the Gold Silver switches offer reduced friction and gentle resistance for a comfortable typing experience. Both switches emphasize smoothness and responsiveness, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches stand out for their unique poppy sound and creamy, bouncy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a sharp auditory experience and smooth typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switches excel in rapid responsiveness and polished, silky feel, catering to users who prefer a deep, rich sound and refined typing experience. While each switch has distinct qualities in sound and feel, both provide a high-quality typing experience with varying characteristics to suit different preferences. Whether you choose the Cream Black Pro or Gold Silver switches, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a thocky, low-pitched, or neutral sound profile, along with a polished, silky, mild, or subtle typing feel, then the TTC Gold Silver may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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