Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Gold Red offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a pronounced tactile bump, delivering an invigorating feedback that many typists find satisfying, while its loud, bass-heavy sound signature provides an engaging auditory experience. This switch is often favored by users who enjoy a more tactile typing sensation and the expressive sound that accompanies it. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth actuation and light to medium resistance, which allows for effortless key presses and an overall quiet typing experience. With a subtler sound profile that adds just a hint of personality to the keyboard, the Gold Reds are ideal for those who prefer a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness over tactile feedback. While both switches have their own merits, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference in typing feel and sound. 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
30g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Gold Red switches, a notable similarity lies in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switches when RGB lighting is employed, providing a visually stimulating experience that is uniform across both models.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches opt for nylon, a classic choice in the keyboard switch industry. This material is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the top housing’s characteristics. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to create a more muted and rounded sound when keys are bottomed out, ensuring that the overall auditory experience is well-rounded and pleasant. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in both switches means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be significantly influenced by the nylon, while the release sound will be sharper due to the polycarbonate.
Ultimately, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Gold Red share the same housing materials, their sound profiles exemplify the distinct contributions of each material. The polycarbonate top and nylon bottom effectively balance crispness and depth, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. The result is a harmonious typing experience where the resonant highs meld seamlessly with the rounded lows, giving users a consistent auditory feedback across both switch models. Thus, whether you choose the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the TTC Gold Red, you can expect a similarly satisfying experience driven by the noteworthy materials employed in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable distinctions in actuation force, while the bottom out force remains the same for both. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be ideal for long typing sessions at work or during extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches feature the same bottom out force of 50 grams, suggesting that while the initial keystroke may vary in effort, both will provide a consistent resistance when fully pressed down. Thus, players or typists who thrive on a lighter touch should lean toward the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those who appreciate a firmer response should opt for the TTC Gold Red.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the TTC Gold Red linear switch, which features a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference reflects a trend in gaming and fast-paced typing, where shorter travel distances are often favored for their quicker response times. In contrast, the Gold Red's longer travel distance provides a more traditional tactile experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Creamy Purple Pro with its 3 mm travel distance might be the better choice, while those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced feedback can opt for the Gold Red's 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its loud sound signature, which features a bass-heavy pitch that contributes to a more robust auditory experience typists might enjoy. This can be energizing for users who appreciate a more expressive sound when typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a snappy sound profile that provides a more subtle personality to the audio feedback without being overly intrusive. While the Gold Red carries a modest sound presence, the richness is more akin to a thocky tone, creating a satisfying yet gentle auditory engagement suitable for a variety of environments. Depending on factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can produce distinct sound experiences, but the Creamy Purple Pro will likely be the louder of the two.
When discussing feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with its significant tactile bump, providing users with a pronounced feedback that enhances the typing experience. This tactile sensation can make each keystroke feel more impactful, inviting a more engaged typing style. Conversely, the TTC Gold Red is characterized by its mild and silky smooth feel, ensuring an approachable typing experience. The gentle resistance of the Gold Red makes it suitable for users who prefer a relaxed typing rhythm, while its polished action minimizes friction and enhances smoothness during key presses. Thus, while the Creamy Purple Pro delivers a more tactile and engaging experience, the Gold Red offers a smooth, gentle pressure that is easy on the fingers.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and TTC Gold Red linear switches differ significantly in their auditory and tactile characteristics, each has its own merits that can cater to different typing preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro’s loud, bassy sound and tactile feedback create a more vibrant and engaging typing experience, while the Gold Red’s snappy, low-pitched sound coupled with its mild and polished feel suit those who seek a smoother, more understated interaction with their keyboard. By understanding these qualities, newcomers can better decide which switch aligns with their personal preferences, allowing them to create a typing experience that best matches their style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you gravitate towards a pronounced tactile experience with a satisfying feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go. Its significant tactile bump and bass-heavy sound signature make it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, even if that translates to a louder output. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience that still delivers a touch of character, the TTC Gold Red linear switch suits your needs perfectly. With its silky feel and subtle thocky sound, this switch is excellent in environments like an open office or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise while maintaining a pleasant typing experience. Consider how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a mix of both—and choose the switch that enhances your overall experience.
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