Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, is perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, provides a balanced experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, creating a softer sound profile. Each switch is categorized by specific attributes such as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Feathery' for the Cream Yellow Pro and 'Buttery' and 'Accented' for the Gold Brown. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, while also providing a translucency that is ideal for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housings of both switches offer similar benefits.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Gold Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Therefore, the overall sound experience when typing on either switch may be quite comparable due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown switches offers a unique sound profile that combines the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon. The differences in sound characteristics between the two switches may be subtle, with the top housing impacting the sound when pressing down on a key and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a well-rounded sound experience that caters to different preferences in typing feel and sound response.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being slightly lighter at 50 grams actuation and 60 grams bottom out compared to the Gold Brown's 55 grams actuation and 63 grams bottom out. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a slightly lighter touch for those who prefer typing for extended periods, while the Gold Brown gives a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a good balance between actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Gold Brown's 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be more preferred by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while the Gold Brown would be a better choice for those seeking a deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in regards to travel distance and the type of typing or gaming 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 Gold Brown 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 Brown 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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch produces a rounded, softer sound profile that is more subdued. The Cream Yellow Pro switch gives a more pronounced sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a noticeable click, while the Gold Brown switch provides a quieter typing experience, suitable for settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, providing low-impact key presses that are gentle on fingers and reduce fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery feel, giving a smooth and uniform keystroke experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is best suited for those who enjoy a louder, more tactile typing experience with easy-to-press keys, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is perfect for users looking for a balanced, moderate typing feel with a smoother sound profile. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a satisfying auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the way to go. The poppy sound and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound feedback and a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is your best bet. The rounded sound profile and balanced feel make it a versatile option suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and TTC Gold Brown switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, so consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
