Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Flame Red present two distinct yet compelling options tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is celebrated for its tactile feedback and vibrant acoustic profile, offering a delightful combination of a lively pop and clack with a smooth tactile sensation. This makes it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience alongside the satisfying feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red shines with its sleek visual design, particularly appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics with its impressive light diffuser that enhances any RGB setup. While these linear switches prioritize a smooth typing experience devoid of tactile bumps, they also deliver a mild clack that some users may find pleasantly engaging. Ultimately, your choice might depend on whether you prefer the engaging sound and tactile feedback of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the sleek, smooth performance of the Flame Red. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Flame Red, it's evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it particularly compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switches utilize a nylon top housing, a classic choice that typically yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, producing a rounder and duller auditory experience compared to polycarbonate.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which introduces a more significant similarity in their overall sound profiles from the bottom housing perspective. The nylon bottom housing in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Flame Red contributes to a deeper and more resonant sound when the key bottoms out. As both switches employ this material for the bottom housing, they will exhibit similar sound qualities in terms of the dull and rounded tones associated with the softer plastic. Despite the differing materials of the top housings, the nylon bottom provides a common grounding for both switches, resulting in somewhat parallel auditory experiences during use.
Ultimately, the divergence in top housing materials significantly influences the sound characteristics and tactile feedback when engaging with each switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top will evoke a crisper sound during the release of the key, while the TTC Flame Red's nylon top will lend a more subdued auditory signature. However, when fully pressed down, both will deliver the fuller sound from their nylon bottoms, leading to a melding of profiles that offers users a blend of brighter highs and deeper lows. This combination showcases how the distinct top housing materials can complement their shared bottom housing, creating unique but interconnected sound experiences for users who appreciate auditory nuances in their keyboard switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch offer similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. While both switches are classified as medium-light, their bottom out forces are slightly different; the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, compared to the Flame Red’s 54 grams. This minor difference indicates that the Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier feel upon bottoming out, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for some users. Overall, if you're looking for ease during long typing sessions or gaming, either switch will serve well, but the TTC Flame Red linear switch might offer a marginally less strenuous bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that the Cream Blue Pro offers a more responsive feel, catering to gamers who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Flame Red switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth and tactile feedback that some users find more satisfying. Those who lean towards a shallower travel will find the Cream Blue Pro to be the better choice, while those who favor a deeper, more measured experience may prefer the Flame Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Blue Pro tactile switch produces a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that resonates beautifully with those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound enhances the overall typing experience and gives users a sense of satisfaction with each key press. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a more neutral sound that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and a subtle tonal footprint. While the Flame Reds may not be as audibly prominent as the Cream Blue Pros, they provide a versatile auditory environment that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its accented tactile feedback, delivering a medium level of tactility that is both pronounced and enjoyable without being overly harsh. It combines this tactility with a bouncy, snappy sensation, making each key press feel responsive and lively—ideal for users who thrive on an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red is considered a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable for a wide spectrum of users. Despite its softer touch, the Flame Red also boasts a polished feel, resulting in smooth key travel akin to that of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, ensuring minimal friction for a refined typing experience.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing an engaging sound and lively feel, making it perfect for those who appreciate pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. The Flame Red, while quieter and milder in tactile sensation, offers a smooth and polished feel that would appeal to users looking for a serene typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: a more vibrant and tactile experience with the Cream Blue Pro or a smoother, subtler interaction with the Flame Red, with both offering a polished touch that enhances overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you revel in the experience of dynamic, audible feedback while typing, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an ideal choice for you. Its clacky sound profile and pronounced tactile bump create a vibrant typing atmosphere that can make long hours at the keyboard feel enjoyable and engaging. Furthermore, if you appreciate a bit more personality in your switches, the Akko Cream Blue Pro's lively feel and delightful feedback will likely resonate with you. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience, especially for a work environment or prolonged typing sessions, the TTC Flame Red might be more suited for you. With its neutral sound and smooth linear motion, this switch provides a comfortable and understated typing experience, making it versatile for various applications, including gaming and office tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound, aligning with your unique typing style and environment.
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