Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Brown. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly price and satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a vibrant auditory experience, the TTC Silent Brown focuses on a more subtle and polished 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
The main difference between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Brown lies in their bottom housing materials. While both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, the Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Silent Brown also incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in materials affects the sound profile and feel of each switch. The Cream Yellow Pro with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more resonant, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. This commonality means that users can expect similar visual effects when using either the Cream Yellow Pro or the Silent Brown with RGB backlighting. However, when it comes to typing experience, the different bottom housing materials come into play. The Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a softer and more cushioned feel when typing, resulting in a smoother keystroke experience. In contrast, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a more rigid feel, contributing to a crisper and more tactile typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Brown will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound with a sharper and crisper profile, the differing bottom housing materials offer unique qualities that may appeal to different users. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing or the sharper and more resonant sound of the Silent Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches provide high-quality components that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have different 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, which is considered medium. In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The difference in force between the two switches can impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Silent Brown for its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Silent Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. The Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Brown switch's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying amount of depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing sessions, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches excel in providing unique sound experiences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively and poppy sound and the Silent Brown offering a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is easy-to-press, providing a low-impact and responsive typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Cream Yellow Pro is also described as feathery and bouncy, further enhancing the typing experience with a light and springy keypress feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is comfortable and approachable to most users. Both switches provide a polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel for effortless typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and bouncy typing experience, while the Silent Brown delivers a muted and buttery typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel and prefer switches with a medium bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and enjoy a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switches with a slightly heavier bottom out force would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and preferences, so choose the switch that aligns best with what you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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