Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Flaming Pink 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 Flaming Pink both present unique advantages that cater to different typing experiences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is celebrated for its captivating poppy and clacky sound profile, which gives users an engaging auditory feedback alongside a creamy tactile sensation. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a lively interaction with their keyboard, perfectly balancing auditory satisfaction with tactile responsiveness, all while being budget-friendly. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are designed for those who prefer a linear feel, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience without the pronounced click associated with tactile switches. The subtle yet satisfying bottom-out sound ensures that both gamers and casual users can enjoy a premium feel during their keyboard interactions, making it versatile for a range of activities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Flaming Pink utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of each switch. The choice of polycarbonate is crucial as it fosters a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality. This is due to the material's innate stiffness, allowing for a more resonant audio experience, making both switches particularly suitable for users who prefer a distinct auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially if RGB lighting is utilized, as it allows light to pass through beautifully, creating vibrant visual effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which shapes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material choice provides a stark contrast to the polycarbonate top, as nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb more sound. Consequently, the nylon bottom absorbs some of the vibrations created by key presses, resulting in a rounder, warmer sound when bottoming out. Thus, while the top housing of both switches contributes to high-frequency sounds upon release, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the key presses themselves deliver a deeper auditory experience. In this way, both switches are thoughtfully designed to offer a balanced sound profile through the combination of materials.
When considering both switches together, it becomes clear how their materials complement each other to produce a cohesive typing experience. The polycarbonate keeps audio crisp and clear, while the nylon adds warmth and fullness to the sound, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds. Consequently, if someone were to use either the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the TTC Flaming Pink, they would experience similar auditory characteristics stemming from the materials used, despite minor nuances in their overall sound profile. Ultimately, the thoughtful integration of these housing materials ensures that both switches can deliver an engaging and enjoyable typing experience, suitable for a variety of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, noticeable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This suggests that typists who prefer a more delicate touch may find the Flaming Pink switch more suitable for lengthy typing sessions or extensive gaming, while those who favor a firmer tactile feedback might appreciate the slightly heavier feel of the Cream Blue Pro. Consequently, individuals seeking a substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the V3's stronger push feel, while those prioritizing comfort and ease may opt for the TTC Flaming Pink switch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a shorter actuation compared to the Flaming Pink, making it potentially more responsive for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Flaming Pink’s longer 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel with a deeper key press, delivering a different tactile experience. Thus, if you seek quicker response times, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a fuller key press might favor the TTC Flaming Pink.
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 Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized by its poppy and clacky qualities, creating an engaging auditory experience that's particularly satisfying for those who enjoy distinct feedback while typing. This lively sound is heightened by the switch’s tactile nature, making it resonate well with users who appreciate auditory cues during their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a bright yet not overly loud sound. While it provides a more subdued auditory feedback than the Cream Blue Pro, it still offers a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it more appropriate for quiet environments or users who prefer minimized noise without sacrificing the quality of their typing experience. However, it should be noted that the overall sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches deliver a medium tactile sensation that strikes a balance without being too overwhelming or too subtle. Their accented touch provides a pleasant tactile feedback, complemented by a bouncy, spring-like response that enhances the typing experience with a lively and snappy interaction. The switches are polished, resulting in a smooth motion with reduced friction. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switches, being linear in nature, are known for their smoothness and responsiveness but are less tactile. While they lack the pronounced feedback of the Cream Blue Pro, they offer a seamless typing experience that is favored by gamers and typists who appreciate a fluid keypress without interruptions.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Flaming Pink switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, with the Cream Blue Pro emphasizing an engaging auditory and tactile experience, while the Flaming Pink focuses on a smooth, quiet performance. If you prefer a dynamic sound and tactile feedback, the Cream Blue Pro will serve you well, while those who value smoothness and a quieter environment might lean towards the Flaming Pink. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor auditory and tactile stimulation or a more subdued typing experience, but both options can deliver a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the typing experience you seek. If you appreciate a lively auditory feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice. With its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a tactile sensation that is engaging and fun, ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of character in their keystrokes. The "bouncy" and "snappy" feel further enhances your typing experience, making it perfect for those who do a lot of typing or want to enjoy a dynamic feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued experience, the TTC Flaming Pink's lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and its premium feel will cater to your needs. With its satisfying bottom-out sound yet less pronounced acoustics, this switch is great for both gaming and everyday use, especially for users who favor a quiet environment without sacrificing performance. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it's the tactile feedback and sound of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the smooth, understated experience of the Flaming Pink—and make your choice based on which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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