Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both options have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is praised for its fully polycarbonate construction, which not only influences its sound and feel but also provides a bright and chirpy sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel distance, resulting in a solid bottom-out with each keystroke. While the V3 Crystal Pro offers a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Gold Silver provides a polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky smooth typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro has a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile throughout the entire switch. In contrast, the Gold Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Silver share the same polycarbonate top housing. This means that they will both produce a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, and their translucency will also make them compatible with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material, with the Akko V3 Crystal Pro maintaining the clear and resonant sound profile with polycarbonate, while the Gold Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the TTC Gold Silver may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a consistent sharp and clear sound throughout the switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Gold Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Both switches will produce a similar sound experience when it comes to the top housing material, making them versatile options for those seeking different sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro requires 60 grams to reach the bottom, while the bottom out force for the TTC Gold Silver is unknown. In terms of weight, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver may be more suitable, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is better suited for those who prefer a firmer feel while typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a shallower key press, the Gold Silver switch may be the better option. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 stands out for its bright and chirpy sound signature, providing a unique acoustic experience with a silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, reflecting its commitment to rapid responsiveness and decisive bottom-out with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the V3 Crystal Pro offers a bouncy and polished feel, the Gold Silver switch provides a silky and mild typing sensation. In conclusion, while the sound and feel of these switches differ in terms of chirpy vs. thocky sound and bouncy vs. silky feel, both offer a high-quality typing experience with smooth and refined characteristics. Experimenting with different keycaps and keyboard setups can further enhance the sound and feel of these switches to suit individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer rapid responsiveness with a decisive bottom-out, a resonant sound signature, and smooth keystrokes, the Gold Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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