Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two high-quality linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Venus offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are lauded for their budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, delivering a unique poppy and clacky sound paired with exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts a one-of-a-kind internal design that prioritizes a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" resistance, promising a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched' and 'Snappy', the TTC Venus is described as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Frictionless'. Both switches excel in their own right, offering different tactile experiences for users. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the TTC Venus, we see a clear difference in the top housing material used. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Venus switches feature a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This may appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience with a richer tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Venus switches have a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of the V3 Cream Black Pro's top housing. Both materials create a sharper, higher-pitched sound, offering a more clear and resonant typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. While the V3 Cream Black Pro combines polycarbonate and nylon for a unique typing experience, the TTC Venus switches opt for polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. These differences in housing materials result in distinct sound profiles and typing feels for each switch, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Despite these variances, users can still achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on the material combinations chosen for their switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. The V3 Cream Black Pro would be better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the TTC Venus would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a medium-heavy feel and the TTC Venus providing a medium-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus switch. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as it requires less distance to actuate the key. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the TTC Venus switch may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 has a high-pitched and poppy sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that minimizes noise. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the V3 Cream Black Pro being more high-pitched and clacky while the Venus offers a softer and more subdued sound signature.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy and bouncy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Conversely, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience, giving users a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches excel in providing a polished and refined typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for comfortable and enjoyable typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is characterized by its high-pitched and creamy typing experience, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its low-pitched and buttery keystroke sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound and feel profiles, offering options for users to choose based on their individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a high-pitched sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a low-pitched and muted sound, and a buttery, gummy feel, the TTC Venus might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to determine what qualities are most important to you when choosing between the two. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and TTC Venus linear switches are excellent options that will enhance your typing experience.
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