Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, with the TTC Gold Silver, a linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue Pro V3 switches are praised for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, paired with a smooth tactile sensation, making them ideal for those who enjoy audible feedback coupled with a creamy feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, featuring shortened travel for a solid bottom-out and a smooth keystroke journey. While the Cream Blue Pro V3 is accentuated and bouncy, the Gold Silver is polished and thocky. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Gold Silver both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in other aspects such as the color or design of the housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gold Silver utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice in the bottom housing of the switches contributes to the overall typing experience, impacting the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite differences in other aspects, such as the top housing material, both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housing.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can split the qualities each material brings. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing will influence the sound as keys are released. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gold Silver may have similar sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing, the choice of material for the bottom housing will contribute to distinct typing experiences for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is clear that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Gold Silver, whose bottom out force is unknown. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Silver's force information is not available, so it is difficult to determine the exact feel without that data. It is important to consider the weight of the switch when choosing a keyboard, as some may prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall typing feel of a switch.
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 Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of the most common traditional travel distances, but the slight difference in length may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keystroke might opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response speed.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, creating a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with its creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich tone with each press. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying auditory experience, but the Cream Blue Pro offers a more energetic and vibrant sound compared to the Gold Silver's deep and resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a tactile sensation that is not overwhelming yet still responsive and smooth. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. While the Cream Blue Pro switch focuses on providing a balance of tactility and responsiveness, the Gold Silver switch prioritizes a silky and gentle typing experience with minimal resistance.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch and the TTC Gold Silver switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and audible feedback with a creamy tactile sensation, while the Gold Silver emphasizes rapid responsiveness and a smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the energetic and vibrant sound of the Cream Blue Pro or the deep and resonant tone of the Gold Silver. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their distinct sound and feel characteristics, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force, along with a distinct and lively sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out sensation, and smooth keystrokes without a bottom-out force, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so be sure to consider what aspects of typing experience are most important to you before making your decision.
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