Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its invigorating tactile bump and bassy sound profile, offering a distinctive feedback that many typists find satisfying. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy the auditory and physical cues of their keystrokes, making typing feel more engaging. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch that promises a smooth and silent typing experience, ideal for those who value quiet operation—whether in a bustling office or a shared living space. Its muted sound profile ensures that you won’t disturb others while still enjoying a polished and consistent feel with each press. While both switches cater to different preferences, whether you gravitate towards tactile feedback or a quieter experience can guide your decision. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is significant for achieving a sharp and high-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a clear and resonant output, and the translucency of this material enhances the aesthetic quality, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications. Given these shared characteristics, both switches are likely to provide users with a similar auditory experience when typing, making them excellent choices for gamers and typists looking for a vibrant sound profile enhanced by customizable lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic material known for its unique acoustic properties. Nylon’s softer composition allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This contrast between the materials used in the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound of the switches. While the polycarbonate top contributes to the high-pitched sound when keys are released, the nylon bottom provides a richer and rounder sound during key presses, creating a balanced auditory experience across the entire keypress cycle.
Thus, the differences in housing materials contribute distinctly to the overall typing experience of each switch. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red are designed to provide balanced sound profiles through their combined utilization of polycarbonate and nylon, resulting in a typing experience that captures the best of both worlds. The interplay between these materials not only enhances the auditory feedback but also enriches the tactile experience, allowing users to enjoy the clarity and depth that both designs uniquely bring to their keyboard setups.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch present notable differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming without causing fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red comes with a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This difference makes the Akko switch ideal for users who favor a lighter touch, while the TTC switch caters to those who enjoy a stronger push. Overall, the distinct actuation and bottom out forces highlight the varying preferences in switch characteristics, allowing users to choose according to their typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Creamy Purple Pro is more responsive and may appeal to gamers who seek quicker key presses and faster response times. In contrast, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel could provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter touch with faster actuation, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while the TTC Silent Red would suit those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches stand out with a loud and robust audio profile, characterized by a deep, bass-like pitch that can resonate throughout a room. This results in an engaging auditory experience that some users might find invigorating, while others could perceive it as overly loud in quieter environments. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches are designed with discretion in mind, offering a muted sound signature that significantly dampens the noise produced upon actuation and bottoming out. This makes the Silent Reds an excellent choice for shared workspaces or environments where noise could be disruptive, allowing for a more private typing experience.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches provide a noticeably invigorating tactile experience, with a large tactile bump that offers robust feedback upon actuation. Users can expect a bouncy sensation, lending to a lively and responsive typing experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. These switches also exhibit a polished finish, which ensures a smooth key travel without unwanted friction. The TTC Silent Red switches, on the other hand, are characterized by a mild feel that caters to users looking for a balanced and approachable typing experience. The smoothness of these switches is enhanced by their polished quality, making each keystroke smooth and consistent from top to bottom, combined with a padded bottom-out feel that adds to their comfort during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and TTC Silent Red switches cater to very different preferences in sound and feel. For those who enjoy an energized typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and loud sound, the Creamy Purple Pros are highly suitable. In contrast, if you're seeking a quieter, more subdued experience with a gentle touch, the Silent Reds provide an excellent alternative. Both switches feature a polished quality that enhances smoothness in key travel, ensuring that regardless of which switch you choose, you'll benefit from a refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and audible feedback or prefer a stealthy, smooth operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch will primarily depend on your personal preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a lively typing experience and thrive on pronounced tactile feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option; its light actuation force of 50 grams coupled with a significant tactile bump creates an invigorating sensation that many typists find satisfying. However, be mindful that this switch produces a louder sound signature, making it less suitable for quiet environments or shared spaces. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience, especially for office use or in close quarters, the TTC Silent Red with its medium-heavy 63.5 gram bottom-out force is ideal. This switch offers a muted sound profile and seamless feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider your typing style, noise sensitivity, and the setting in which you'll be typing to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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