Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Flame Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts who prioritize a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red stands out for its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, making it perfect for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Each switch falls into different categories such as easy-to-press and feathery for the Cream Yellow Pro, and neutral and mild for the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and priorities, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Flame Red switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Flame Red's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material in the Cream Yellow Pro's top housing is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon material of the Flame Red's top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Cream Yellow Pro and the Flame Red switches utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with stiffer bottom housings. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback for both switches.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Flame Red switches may differ in their top housing materials, resulting in varying sound profiles, they offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience, while the softer nylon top housing of the Flame Red provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the material of their bottom housing contributing to a consistent tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium in terms of force, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro leans towards the heavier side compared to the Flame Red, which is considered medium-light. For individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Flame Red may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Regardless of the slight difference in force, both switches will provide users with similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out experiences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the TTC Flame Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame 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 Yellow Pro switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that is vibrant and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy an auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, in various settings. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a light actuation force and smooth key travel for a responsive and comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue and enhance the overall typing feel, catering to different preferences of users.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and TTC Flame Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a more vibrant auditory experience with its poppy sound profile, the Flame Red offers a neutral sound suitable for a wider user base. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a smooth and responsive typing experience with various characteristics, while the Flame Red offers a gentle typing feel with reduced friction. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and creamy tactile feel with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches are the way to go. These switches are ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, if you value a weighty smoothness and are drawn to switches with a dazzling light diffuser for a visually striking RGB keyboard setup, then the TTC Flame Red linear switches are the perfect choice. With a slightly lower bottom out force than the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, the Flame Reds offer a neutral typing experience suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginner or advanced. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics when it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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