Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, you're faced with two excellent options. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a budget-friendly choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience perfect for shared living spaces or office environments, with a smooth and consistent feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press and bouncy, the Silent Red is buttery and muted. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with these housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Silent Red utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder typing experience, enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches.
While both switches have similar housing materials for their top and bottom parts, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the TTC Silent Red may offer slightly different typing experiences due to the placement of these materials. The qualities brought by the housing materials are felt differently when pressing down on a key versus when letting go. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Red is heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balanced typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the Silent Red may be the better option, allowing for extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly shorter distance, which may appeal to those looking for quicker keypresses. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 provides a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile that is perfect for quieter environments like office spaces or shared living areas. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Cream Yellow Pro providing a more pronounced sound while the Silent Red delivers a softer and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery properties, offering a gentle resistance and smooth typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. Additionally, it features a bouncy and snappy feel, providing a responsive and lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery and mild, delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for an overall sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and TTC Silent Red linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a more poppy and tactile sound with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel, while the Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience with a buttery and mild feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound intensity or a more silent typing experience, as well as the specific feel you prefer during your typing sessions. However, both switches deliver a quality typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the way to go. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy a slightly clacky sound paired with a smooth keypress. On the other hand, if you value a noiseless typing experience with a smooth and consistent feel, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be your best bet. These switches are ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and TTC Silent Red switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and the specific environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.
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