Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and how you intend to use your keyboard. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are popular among budget-conscious enthusiasts, known for their poppy, clacky sound and creamy tactile feel, providing a delightful auditory experience enhanced by their smoothness. These switches are often described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, making them ideal for those who enjoy a lively tactile response. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches are designed for users seeking a premium typing experience, featuring a sleek, crystal-clear design and delivering a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound. Their versatility makes them suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. While both switches offer linear designs that emphasize smooth actuation, their distinct auditory and tactile characteristics cater to different user preferences. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Ice, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in material choice allows for consistent auditory characteristics between the two switches, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. The translucency of polycarbonate plays a significant role in how the light interacts with the switch, making both options visually appealing while also optimizing the sound quality. Users can expect a clear and resonant sound profile from both switches, which will enhance the overall experience for those focused on auditory feedback during typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings differ significantly between the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Ice. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, a classic switch material renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This contrasts sharply with the TTC Ice, which uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. As nylon absorbs more sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is likely to deliver a more muted and rounded bottom-out sound, while the TTC Ice maintains a sharper sound throughout due to the stiffness of its polycarbonate structure. This divergence in bottom housing materials leads to different tactile sensations when typing, with the V3 providing a more subdued feedback and the Ice offering a consistent sound profile.
Overall, the combination of housing materials provides distinct auditory experiences for each switch. While the similar polycarbonate top housings contribute to a bright sound across both switches, the nylon bottom of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro introduces unique characteristics that make it stand apart. Conversely, the TTC Ice's all-polycarbonate housing ensures a uniformly crisp feel. Therefore, while users of both switches will enjoy advantages like RGB compatibility and clarity in sound, they will ultimately have different sensations in terms of sound depth and tactile feedback due to the contrasting bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch with the TTC Ice linear switch, we observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the TTC Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Ice switch may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, which can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. When it comes to bottom out force, both switches are identical, each registering at 60 grams. This similarity suggests that users will experience the same level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down, regardless of the switch's actuation force. Ultimately, for those preferring a lighter feel for prolonged use, the TTC Ice would be the better option, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who appreciate a bit more pressure from their switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, the Akko offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Ice features a greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker key presses for enhanced performance. In contrast, the TTC Ice's longer travel distance caters to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, allowing for a more deliberate actuation. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko switch is the better choice; however, if you prefer a deeper feel, the TTC Ice switch would be more suitable.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 switches produce a poppy, clacky sound that many users find engaging and lively, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an auditory experience during typing. Additionally, the overall auditory profile complements the satisfying tactile feel of the switch. Conversely, the TTC Ice linear switches offer a smooth, responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, which presents a more subdued yet premium auditory quality when compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. However, it’s important to note that the perceived sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps, meaning both switches could exhibit differing sound characteristics in different setups.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches stand out for their easy-to-press characteristics, necessitating minimal force for activation. This ease of actuation contributes to reduced finger fatigue, making them particularly comfortable for extended periods of use, whether for gaming or typing tasks. Furthermore, the feathery, bouncy, and polished attributes enhance the experience, providing a responsive and lively feedback sensation that many users appreciate. In contrast, the feel of the TTC Ice linear switches is less defined in the provided information, leaving some uncertainty about its tactile characteristics. Consequently, while both switches cater to a comfortable typing experience, the specifics of the Ice's feel remain unknown.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches offer a vivid auditory experience along with a uniquely engaging tactile feel, the TTC Ice linear switches provide a premium and smooth typing experience characterized by a clear bottom-out sound. Each switch has its qualities that may appeal to different user preferences. Although their feel characteristics vary in detail, the intuitive design of both switches makes them well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks. The choice ultimately depends on what auditory and tactile traits resonate more with the individual user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you are someone who enjoys a vibrant auditory experience along with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro might be your best bet. It’s budget-friendly and provides that poppy, clacky sound that many find appealing, along with a lighter actuation that helps reduce finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined, smooth typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch would serve you well, especially for gaming and everyday tasks. The crystal-clear design not only looks stunning but also enhances the overall aesthetics of your keyboard while delivering a premium feel. In essence, if you value vibrant sound and a lively typing experience, go with the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. However, if you're leaning toward a sleek and polished typing experience, the TTC Ice is the way to go.
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