Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Red mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, stands out for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a smooth tactile sensation that appeals to users looking for a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red, a linear switch, offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too overpowering. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red, we see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches will provide a similar sound experience when typing due to the shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Gold Red also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience in terms of depth and fullness when typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches offers a balanced sound experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Both switches utilize these different housing materials to enhance the typing experience, providing a mix of sharpness and depth in sound profile. Whether you choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the TTC Gold Red, you can expect a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both offer a comfortable typing experience with their relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams, but both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 at 55 grams and the Gold Red at 50 grams. This means that while the Akko V3 may require a slightly heavier initial force to register a keystroke, the typing experience will feel equally smooth and responsive on both switches. Overall, the Gold Red can be considered the lighter option between the two, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing down the keys.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the TTC Gold Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers who value faster input. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switch provides a deeper keypress feel, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Red 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 Red 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 provides a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, offering users a lively and audible feedback experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed without being too ostentatious. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro being more lively and tactile, while the Gold Red is more subdued and smooth.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is noted for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics, offering a medium tactile experience that is smooth, responsive, and refined. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a pleasant typing feel, with the Cream Blue Pro leaning towards a more tactile and lively experience, while the Gold Red offers a smoother and more gentle typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Gold Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its lively and tactile sound and feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch provides a smoother and more subdued sound and feel, appealing to those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with both offering quality options within their respective categories.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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