Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Neptune both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 is a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying tactile and auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that offers a smooth, frictionless glide and a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy treats like mochi. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 is easy-to-press and bouncy, the Neptune is buttery and gummy. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Neptune, it is clear that they each offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the Neptune's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to those who prefer a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Neptune's POM top housing may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more subdued sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Neptune utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials may impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing or gaming. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more absorbing and dull sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune provides a clearer and more resonant sound.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of a switch will impact different aspects of the typing or gaming experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Neptune will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. While they may have differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique and appealing qualities for enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that the Neptune is the lighter of the two switches in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the TTC Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter touch for typing. The weight of a switch is crucial as it impacts typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer the lighter Neptune switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier V3 Cream Yellow Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience on each switch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Neptune. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Neptune would be ideal for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 switches are known for their poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switches are described as low-pitched, muted, and subdued, offering a softer and more refined sound profile that is gentle on the ears. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively sound and the Neptune offering a more muted and refined typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switches are described as buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a unique springy resistance that sets them apart from other linear switches. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with distinct tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a lighter and more bouncy feel and the Neptune offering a smoother and more springy sensation.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches and the TTC Neptune linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches provide a poppy, clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel, ideal for those who prefer a vibrant auditory experience and light key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switches offer a low-pitched, muted sound and a buttery, frictionless feel, ideal for those who prefer a more refined sound profile and a smooth, springy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience one is seeking, but both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique "matte" feel with a smooth, frictionless glide, the Neptune could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and it all comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
