Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, producing a distinctive poppy and clacky sound while remaining smooth to the touch. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is renowned for its incredibly quiet operation, providing a soft and pillowy typing experience. While the Cream Black Pro V3 boasts a 'Creamy' and 'Bouncy' feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a 'Thocky' and 'Buttery' sensation. These general distinctions may help guide your decision-making process; 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
39g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro differs in its bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, which means that the sharp, higher-pitched sound profile remains consistent throughout the switch. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen (V2) allows for the option of using RGB lighting, similar to the top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro. However, the use of nylon in the V3 Cream Black Pro's bottom housing may provide a different typing experience in terms of sound and feel compared to the Silent Frozen (V2).
In terms of functionality, the impact of the housing material can be felt differently in each switch. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Silent Frozen (V2) is the lighter of the two switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is considered light. The actuation force is crucial in determining how much force is needed to activate a keypress, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Silent Frozen (V2), while users looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2). Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal choices for gamers looking for fast response times. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper feel when pressing the keys, you may opt for the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience you are seeking.
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 Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched and poppy sound, giving a sharp and crisp feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, providing a deep and quiet typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Cream Black Pro offers a more vibrant and noticeable sound, while the Silent Frozen switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Silent Frozen (V2) switches share a creamy and buttery typing experience. They both offer a smooth, silky sensation when typing, thanks to the lubricant applied in the switches. Additionally, the Cream Black Pro switch is described as bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a spring-like feedback and a refined typing feel. Similarly, the Silent Frozen switch is also buttery and polished, along with being described as feathery, subtle, and smooth, offering a light and comfortable typing experience perfect for extended use.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch both have their strengths when it comes to sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro switch excels in producing a high-pitched and poppy sound with bouncy and snappy feedback, the Silent Frozen switch stands out for its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound along with a feathery and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, but both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, poppy, and clacky sound profile, you may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, along with a creamy and buttery typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch might be more appealing to you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what feels and sounds best to you during your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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