Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Red both stand out as excellent options, each offering unique characteristics. The V3 Crystal Pro is known for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium level of resistance, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being overpowering. These switches are categorized differently, with the Crystal Pro being described as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', while the Gold Red is labeled as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Red, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. However, the V3 Crystal Pro also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Gold Red has a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing.
The differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Red extend to their sound profiles and tactile feel. While both keyboards have polycarbonate top housings that produce a sharp and crisp sound, the Gold Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more sound compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's stiffer plastic. This results in a rounder and duller sound profile on the Gold Red. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a keyboard plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and TTC Gold Red exemplify how different materials can impact the overall typing experience. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the distinction lies in the bottom housing material, with the V3 Crystal Pro featuring polycarbonate and the Gold Red featuring nylon. Whether for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, the housing material choice can greatly influence the tactile feel and overall typing experience of a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gold Red's lighter 43 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro is 60 grams, heavier than the Gold Red's 50 grams. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Gold Red offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with some preferring the lighter weight for longer typing sessions and others favoring the heavier weight for a more significant typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who are particularly sensitive to the feel of a switch, it could make a difference in terms of responsiveness and overall typing experience. Overall, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and are likely to provide a similar typing experience, with the Gold Red offering a slightly longer keypress.
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 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
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a bright and chirpy sound signature, creating a unique acoustic experience with a slight squeak in each press. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving off a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. The Gold Red switch also falls into the category of neutral switches, making it suitable for various typing environments. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Crystal Pro provides a bouncy and polished typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch delivers a mild and silky typing feel, with subtle resistance and a polished finish for a gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and TTC Gold Red switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to individual preferences. If you enjoy a chirpy sound and bouncy feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is the way to go. However, if you prefer a thocky sound and a silky, mild feel, the Gold Red switch may be more to your liking. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Gold Red offering a lighter resistance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, ensuring a satisfying and customized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a bright, chirpy sound signature, along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile, and a switch that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel, then the TTC Gold Red linear switch might be the better option for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and TTC Gold Red linear switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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