Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Brown are two popular tactile options that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a satisfying typing experience complemented by a loud, bass-heavy sound profile that can invigorate your keystrokes. This switch is ideal for those who thrive on feedback and enjoy a more expressive auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches emphasize comfort with their light to medium resistance and a rounded tactile bump, offering a more subdued experience with a muted sound profile that is perfect for quieter environments or extended typing sessions. Both switches have their unique advantages, but the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more prominent auditory and tactile experience or a polished, subtle feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which provides them with similar acoustic qualities. As a material, polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This shared characteristic means that both switches can deliver a bright and resonant auditory experience, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is involved. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal by allowing light to pass through effectively, making both switches potentially attractive options for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials for both switches are nylon, a choice that significantly impacts their sound profiles during typing. The nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, contrasting with the clarity offered by the polycarbonate top. Users can expect a more rounded and subdued auditory experience from both switches during the bottoming out phase, emphasizing the duality in sound produced by the combination of the materials used in each housing. The matching nylon bottom results in a consistent tactile feedback, contributing to a harmonious typing experience across both models.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Brown share similarities in their top housing due to the polycarbonate material, differences in their sound profiles emerge from the nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate tops ensure a bright escape sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottoms cushion the blow, producing a deeper sound when keys are pressed down. This blend of properties allows users to enjoy a keypress that is simultaneously sharp and crisp at the release, and deep and rounded at the bottom, creating a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience for both switch options.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch present distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a notably lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who value extended typing comfort during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams and features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users prefer for a substantial typing experience. Consequently, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for users who prefer lighter switches, while the Silent Brown caters to those who appreciate the heftier feel of a medium-heavy switch, accentuating the difference in tactile experiences between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it's clear that the former has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the latter measures at 3.8 mm. This difference means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a more responsive feel, making it particularly appealing for gamers who favor quicker key presses for improved performance. In contrast, the Silent Brown's greater travel distance provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Thus, if you're looking for a swift and responsive switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response might lean towards the TTC Silent Brown.
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 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
When considering the sound profile of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, users can anticipate a loud and prominent sound signature, characterized by a deep, bassier tone. This can add a lively auditory element to your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown presents a distinctly muted sound, designed to minimize the clatter typical of mechanical keyboards. This softer auditory experience is perfect for users who prefer a quieter workspace or those who type in shared environments where noise could be a distraction.
The feel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is marked by a large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a pronounced physical feedback that can enhance typists' connection with their keyboard. This tactile response can make it easier to gauge when a keystroke has been registered, perfect for those who appreciate a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is noted for a buttery, mild, and polished feel, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. This smoothness ensures that key presses are seamless and fluid, catering to those who value comfort and ease in their typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and TTC Silent Brown switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a more vibrant sound and a pronounced tactile feel, the Silent Brown focuses on a subdued auditory profile and a smooth typing experience. Depending on your typing style and environment, either choice could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a pronounced tactile bump and enjoy typing with a more pronounced sound that leans toward the bassier side, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent fit for you. It's especially suitable if you like engaging feedback during your typing sessions and don’t mind some noise, making it a great choice for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you work in a quiet setting or you simply prefer a more subdued typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown switches are the way to go. Their medium-heavy bottoming out force combined with a gentle tactile bump creates a comfortable and forgiving feel, while their muted sound profile contributes to a serene workspace. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics tailored to different needs, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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