Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the TTC Gold Red Pro, a linear switch. The Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 switches are ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth tactile sensation, appeals to users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch boasts versatility with its seamless typing experience and neutral sound signature suitable for various environments. While the Cream Blue Pro V3 is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Gold Red Pro is categorized as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and specific use cases. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings results in a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Despite their differences in appearance, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gold Red Pro share similar qualities when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Similarly, the Gold Red Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the classic switch housing material's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile through sound absorption. Despite their differences in color and design, both switches share the commonality of nylon bottom housings to enhance the typing experience.
When considering how the housing materials of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gold Red Pro impact the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize the role played by each housing in sound production. The qualities of the bottom housing material influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on keys, while the top housing material contributes more significantly to the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of these switches, users can appreciate how each material contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams. However, the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier in that aspect as well. The Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Gold Red Pro's typing experience is unknown in terms of bottom out force. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, but the Cream Blue Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro will provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly deeper press with its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer their unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro catering to those who prioritize speed, while the Gold Red Pro appeals to users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound signature that is neither too pronounced nor too muted, making it suitable for any auditory environment. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro being more lively and audible, while the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and balanced sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium-tactile sensation with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In comparison, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is also polished and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance. The Gold Red Pro switch also has mild and subtle characteristics, providing a middle-ground typing feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro being more bouncy and snappy, while the Gold Red Pro offers a gentler and more subtle typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Gold Red Pro switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard world. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy tactile sensation, while the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide quality options within their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the TTC Gold Red Pro switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth typing experience, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a versatile, neutral sound signature and a seamless typing experience that caters to various preferences and environments, then the Gold Red Pro would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, so it's essential to consider what characteristics matter most to you when making your decision.
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