Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 is a budget-friendly option loved for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches are favored for their extremely quiet sound profile, smoothness, and pillowy feel, providing a more subtle and muted typing experience. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Silent Frozen (V2) is described as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing effect.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the sharper and crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing. This combination likely results in a unique sound experience for typists.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. While both switches share the benefit of using polycarbonate for their top housings, the use of nylon for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's bottom housing creates a different sound profile compared to the Silent Frozen (V2)'s dual polycarbonate housing setup. Typists can expect a more resonant and rounder sound experience with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while the Silent Frozen (V2) may offer a sharper and crisper typing experience thanks to the consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch. With an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a more lightweight option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may find the Silent Frozen (V2) to be more suitable. Overall, the weight of a switch can greatly impact one's typing experience, making it essential to consider when choosing the right keyboard switch for individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Silent Frozen at 3.5 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow Pro will provide a slightly quicker response time during typing or gaming, making it a popular choice for those seeking fast and precise input. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.55.
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 provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, making it extremely quiet and mellow. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro providing a more lively and tactile experience compared to the Silent Frozen's silent and pillowy sound.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a silky and seamless typing sensation. Both switches prioritize comfort and smoothness, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on light actuation and responsive feedback, while the Silent Frozen emphasizes a buttery and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles to suit different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro boasts a vibrant and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel, the Silent Frozen delivers an extremely quiet and pillowy sound alongside a creamy and buttery typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a tailored typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and an extremely quiet, thocky, and low-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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