TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch, known for its subtle and nuanced feedback that allows typists to immerse themselves in their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch with a snappy sound signature that adds a lively quality to typing while maintaining smooth actuation. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a subdued and understated tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro provides a more vibrant and crisp 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we can see that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar experience in terms of sound and feel, as the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
However, the top housings of the Gold Brown Pro and the V3 Piano Pro differ, with the Gold Brown Pro utilizing polycarbonate and the V3 Piano Pro using nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while nylon produces a duller and rounder sound due to its softer composition. Therefore, the sound and feel of pressing down on the key and releasing it will be distinct between the two switches, with the top housing material playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of feel and sound due to the similar properties of nylon. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Gold Brown Pro or a deeper sound profile with the V3 Piano Pro.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro has an unknown value, while the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Gold Brown Pro in terms of fully pressing down the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option, as it offers a lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the V3 Piano Pro with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. This makes the Akko V3 Piano Pro the shorter of the two switches. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Gamers looking for faster response times might lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro 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 Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience that is neutral in its sound profile. This results in a deep, rich sound that is satisfying without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound that is sharp and crisp, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, one may favor the subtle and understated sound of the Gold Brown Pro or the lively and snappy sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle yet noticeable tactile bump. This results in a typing feel that is approachable to most users and suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is noted for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Whether you prefer a gentle and polished typing feel like the Gold Brown Pro or a lively and rebounding sensation like the V3 Piano Pro will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a subtle, nuanced sound profile and a polished, silky typing feel with a gentle tactile bump, providing a refined and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch produces a lively, crisp sound with a snappy quality and offers a bouncy, creamy typing feel that is smooth and spring-like. Depending on whether you value a more subdued or lively typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the way to go. This switch is perfect for those who want a gentle feedback without the noise distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively, crisp sound and a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro might be more suited to your liking. The Piano Pro switches offer a snappy sound signature and a bouncy feel, providing a more vibrant typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and enhances your overall keyboarding experience.
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