Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the TTC Gold Brown, also a tactile switch, one can immediately see the unique characteristics that set them apart. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is praised for its balanced feel, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness. While the Cream Blue Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', and 'Snappy', the Gold Brown falls under categories like 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. When considering these general pointers, it may seem like a tough decision to make, 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gold Brown differ in their bottom housing material, with the former featuring a nylon bottom housing and the latter also using nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Brown have unique characteristics when it comes to their nylon bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a distinctive typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and muted compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of impact on typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing and the Gold Brown's matching nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, while the housing materials of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Brown differ in their bottom housing, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to specific preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Gold Brown tactile switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a medium amount of resistance. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Gold Brown switch would be the better option due to its higher forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both provide different levels of tactile feedback and actuation forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switches, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown switch provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by some individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Blue Pro is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown provides a rounded and softer sound profile, making it a more subtle option compared to the Cream Blue Pro. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced and lively sound or a softer and more balanced sound.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a tactile sensation that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience with a moderate level of tactility. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key travel, catering to users who appreciate a comfortable typing experience. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more spring-like feel with noticeable tactility or a smoother and more gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Brown switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro provides a livelier sound profile and a bouncy tactile feel, the Gold Brown offers a softer sound and a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback or a smoother and more gentle typing experience. In both cases, users can expect a quality typing experience that reflects the unique characteristics of each switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider the specific qualities and preferences that align with your typing style. If you enjoy a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, along with a smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what attributes matter most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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