Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and TTC Speed Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point while providing high-quality performance with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound. Conversely, the Speed Silver appeals to those seeking a fast and precise typing experience with its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance for quick actuation. While the Cream Black Pro offers a creamy and bouncy feel, the Speed Silver provides a neutral and mild 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 Speed Silver, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the clarity of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Speed Silver differ in their bottom housing material, with the V3 Cream Black Pro employing nylon. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of housing materials in these switches allows for a unique typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Speed Silver showcase individuality through their bottom housing materials. While the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, the Speed Silver also opts for nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material affecting the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, although the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Speed Silver share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro providing a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon bottom housing, the Speed Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with the same material. The combination of housing materials in these switches allows for a diversity of sound profiles and tactile experiences, catering to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Speed Silver's lighter 45 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Black Pro also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Speed Silver bottoms out at 55 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Black Pro a medium-heavy switch and the Speed Silver a medium-light switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the TTC Speed Silver. Both switches offer a balance between traditional travel distances and the newer trend of shorter distances, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provides a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and profile suitable for various uses. While both switches may have different sound characteristics, the ultimate sound experience will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback. It also provides a snappy and polished feel, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a milder typing experience, with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, but may differ in specific tactile qualities.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and creamy typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver offers a more neutral and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences in sound and tactile feedback, both switches cater to different user needs and can deliver satisfactory performance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will boil down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it all boils down to your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a distinct high-pitched sound profile, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Speed Silver might be more suitable. Additionally, the Cream Black Pro offers a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, while the Speed Silver provides a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics and typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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