Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and TTC Gold Red Pro are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a satisfying auditory experience paired with a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any environment. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Gold Red Pro is categorized as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing leads to a more resonant sound, especially beneficial for users who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gold Red Pro differ in their nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gold Red Pro.
Both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper tone. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing also offers a sharp and crisp sound profile, but its nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and fuller sound. Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences with a blend of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Gold Red Pro may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing of each switch influences the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or a deeper, fuller sound with the Gold Red Pro, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro with 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a higher force of 60 grams, although the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Red Pro, as it has a lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. When it comes to typing or gaming preferences, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance is subjective. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the 3.3 mm travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Gold Red Pro. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on what feels more comfortable and efficient to the user.
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 Red 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 Red 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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for its poppy, clacky sound, offering a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro linear switch from TTC provides a neutral sound signature, ideal for any auditory environment. Both switches deliver enjoyable sound profiles, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more pronounced sound and the Gold Red Pro offering a more neutral and harmonious tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the lively sound of the Cream Yellow Pro or the versatile sound of the Gold Red Pro.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing gentle resistance and a low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro is described as polished and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a bouncy and snappy typing feel, the Gold Red Pro provides a mild and subtle typing experience, suitable for a wider range of users. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on liveliness and the Gold Red Pro aiming for smoothness and versatility.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a vibrant and tactile auditory experience combined with a bouncy and responsive typing feel, the Gold Red Pro stands out for its versatility in sound and smoothness in typing experience. Whether users prioritize a more pronounced sound and feathery feel or a neutral sound and polished typing experience, both switches offer satisfying results that cater to various preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both switches deliver quality performance in their respective areas.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a combination of poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you, especially if you prefer a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an adaptable and seamless typing experience, featuring a neutral sound profile and versatility for various settings, the Gold Red Pro would be a suitable option to consider. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing needs and aesthetic preferences.
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