TTC Flaming Pink vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both stand out as appealing linear options, each offering distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, delivering a premium typing experience that is not only ideal for gaming but also well-suited for everyday tasks. Its bright yet gentle sound profile strikes an excellent balance, making it enjoyable without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro enhances your typing experience with its long pole design, which infuses each keystroke with a lively, snappy sound signature and a polished tactile feel. This switch embodies a charming auditory character while ensuring a smooth actuation, appealing to those who appreciate both sound and touch in their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, making them excellent choices for various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, significant differences arise primarily from their top housing. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate particularly advantageous for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for enhanced visual effects. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro employs a nylon top housing, a material that tends to absorb sound more effectively due to its relatively softer composition. This results in a fuller, deeper sound that resonates with a more muted and rounded quality. Therefore, it’s clear that the two switches will produce distinctly different auditory experiences due to their differing top housing materials.
However, in examining the bottom housing of both switches, one finds a point of commonality. Both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency ensures that both switches exhibit similar characteristics in how they handle sound absorption and feel during use. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. This shared housing material means that while the top housing impacts the key release sound significantly, the foundation set by the nylon bottom housing still resonates similarly in both cases.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and the same bottom housings leads to an intriguing interplay of sound profiles between the two switches. With the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top offering a bright, resonant sound mixed with the rich, dampening qualities of the nylon bottom, you can achieve a unique auditory output. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro’s nylon top housing combined with its nylon bottom results in a more cohesive sound signature that leans towards deeper tones. These variations highlight how the combination of housing materials collectively shapes the overall typing experience, leading to nuanced distinctions that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch with the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light alternative. This heavier feel may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches provide a relatively light touch, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option overall, potentially offering greater comfort for prolonged use compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter switch for comfort or a slightly heavier one for enhanced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option compared to the V3 Piano Pro's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches are relatively close in their dimensions, but the slight difference means that users looking for a bit more depth in their keystrokes will prefer the Flaming Pink for its additional 0.1 mm of travel. This subtle variation is significant for typists who appreciate a more ample sensation when pressing down on keys. Conversely, if quick response times are a priority, the V3 Piano Pro could be particularly appealing for users who favor the slightly shorter distance. Overall, while both switches lean towards the modern trend of shorter travel distances, the Flaming Pink provides a bit more tactile depth for those who favor a fuller feel to their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the TTC Flaming Pink and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches, both exhibit a lively clacky sound profile that is sharp and snappy, providing an engaging auditory experience. The Flaming Pink delivers a bright yet moderate sound that is not overly loud, making it suitable for both gaming and typing in quiet environments. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro adds an extra layer of resonance, enhancing its crispness and resulting in a clean, immersive auditory performance. Although their sound aesthetics are notably similar, the added resonance of the Piano Pro may contribute to a slightly more vibrant audio experience depending on the keyboard setup.
Regarding the tactile feel, the TTC Flaming Pink is characterized by its silky smoothness, minimizing resistance during key presses and enhancing the overall typing experience. This feeling is echoed in the V3 Piano Pro, which is described as creamy and silky as well, thanks to its factory lubrication and refined materials. The Piano Pro goes a step further by also being polished, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that can make typing feel effortless. Both switches promise a thoroughly pleasant tactile experience, but the V3 Piano Pro may provide a slight edge in terms of buttery smoothness due to its specific manufacturing qualities.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer a premium experience, sharing similarities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink is slightly more subdued acoustically, while the V3 Piano Pro boasts a more resonant and lively sound. On the tactile side, both are silky, but the V3 could feel creamier and more polished due to its construction. Overall, choosing between these switches may come down to a preference for sound resonance versus a slight edge in tactile smoothness. Regardless of the choice, users can expect satisfying performance tailored to both casual typing and gaming scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use case. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a smooth, silky typing experience that is both satisfying and suitable for extended gaming sessions as well as daily typing, the Flaming Pink switch is likely your best bet. Its clacky sound profile adds a springy auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke with a medium-light resistance and are drawn to crisp, resonant sound characteristics, the V3 Piano Pro would be the better choice. Its creamy and polished feel combined with a lively auditory signature offers a unique typing experience that is both fun for typing and engaging in gaming. Therefore, evaluate what aspects—such as sound, feel, and force—you value most to make an informed decision between these two impressive switches.
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