Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Silent Red are both popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its unique features and benefits. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is renowned for its tactile feedback, with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that appeals to users seeking a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. While the Cream Blue Pro provides a bouncy and snappy feel, the Silent Red offers a buttery and muted sensation. Both switches are polished and deliver a consistent typing experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of the top housings, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and TTC Silent Red utilize polycarbonate, allowing for a similar sound profile with sharp and crisp characteristics. The use of this material in the top housing also enhances the aesthetics of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the TTC Silent Red also relies on a polycarbonate bottom housing for consistency in sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Silent Red will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Silent Red maintains consistency with a polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a rounder sound, both switches provide a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and TTC Silent Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is 55 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Silent Red which has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a heavier typing experience. The difference in bottom out force means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is more favorable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Silent Red is better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force, but the noticeable distinction lies in the bottom out force between the two switches.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Silent Red linear switch's travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in user experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a shallower key press, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more depth and tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 that is lively and audible. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a more pronounced feedback and the Silent Red offering a more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile sensation that is not overwhelming yet offers a noticeable amount of tactility. The keys have a lively and spring-like feel, giving a responsive and smooth typing experience. In comparison, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches provide a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch and the TTC Silent Red switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue Pro switch provides a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, while the Silent Red switch offers a quiet and smooth typing experience ideal for shared or quiet environments. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of each switch to find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a lively and audible feedback, and a creamy tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a smooth and seamless typing experience, and a muted sound profile suitable for quieter environments, then the TTC Silent Red switch is the way to go. Consider your typing style, working environment, and personal preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates with your individual typing preferences and needs.
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