Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a unique experience with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound coupled with a silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced typing experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, resulting in a softer sound profile. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that are intended to be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the lighting. However, the TTC Gold Brown differs in its bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing.
In terms of aesthetics, both the V3 Crystal Pro and the Gold Brown benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate in their top housings, allowing for a visually appealing look when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Brown's use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a more subdued and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro. This difference in sound characteristics between the two switches can influence the typing experience and overall feel of the switches for users who are sensitive to sound.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Brown use polycarbonate top housings that produce similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference based on the desired sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Crystal Pro requires 60 grams while the Gold Brown needs 63 grams, making them fairly similar in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Crystal Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gold Brown may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Crystal Pro may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown switch might provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics, but they ultimately provide similar results in terms of key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The TTC Gold Brown 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 Brown 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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, providing a lively and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch produces a softer and more rounded sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the V3 Crystal Pro being more distinctive and the Gold Brown being more versatile.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is known for its bouncy and polished characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery feel, with a balanced amount of tactility that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but with different levels of feedback and smoothness.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, providing a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a softer, more rounded sound profile, along with a mild and buttery feel for a balanced typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve similar or contrasting results in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch or the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for feel and sound. If you prioritize a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, then the V3 Crystal Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump, moderate weightiness, and a softer sound profile, then the Gold Brown would be more suitable. Ultimately, consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch would best enhance your overall typing experience.
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