Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer contrasting experiences to suit different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is known for its subtle and nuanced tactile bump, providing a background presence for a more immersive typing experience with minimal distraction. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Gold Brown Pro emphasizes a quiet and refined 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the bottom housings differ between the two keyboards, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Brown Pro also features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound.
While both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gold Brown Pro share similar polycarbonate top housings, the distinctions lie in their respective nylon bottom housings. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing of each keyboard gives a unique sound profile, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound, and the Gold Brown Pro providing a duller and rounder sound. These differences showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, highlighting the importance of considering all components when selecting a switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience thanks to their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housing contributes to either a deeper or rounder sound depending on the keyboard. Ultimately, the housing materials of a keyboard play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, making it essential to consider the properties of each material when choosing a switch.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is not specified. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a more consistent resistance throughout the keystroke process. The difference in actuation force might not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Brown Pro might be the better option. On the other hand, if a heavier keystroke is desired for a more tactile typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter distance of 3.3 mm while the Gold Brown Pro has a longer distance of 3.8 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro would be more suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to each keystroke, creating an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a subtle, thocky sound profile that is low-pitched and neutral, resulting in a more subdued typing experience that won't distract those around you. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more lively sound and the Gold Brown Pro providing a quieter, more understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers an easy-to-press, feathery sensation that is bouncy and snappy, enhancing responsiveness and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch provides a polished, silky feel that is mild, subtle, and stepped. This results in a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump that doesn't interrupt the typing flow, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued tactile feedback while typing.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a vibrant, poppy sound with an easy-to-press, bouncy feel ideal for those looking for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle, thocky sound profile with a polished, silky feel that is gentle and smooth, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback that allows for immersive typing without distraction, the Gold Brown Pro could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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