TTC Gold Brown vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switches are known for their balanced feel, slight tactile bump, moderate weightiness, and softer sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a delightful typing experience. While the Gold Brown switches are more neutral and buttery, the Lavender Purple Pro switches are bouncy and snappy. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, but 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate, the sound produced is clear and resonant. Visually, polycarbonate is a great choice for top housings if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material contributes to a unique sound and aesthetic experience for both switches.
On the other hand, the Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, which allows it to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder sound. Similarly, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a rich and deep sound profile. The nylon bottom housing complements the polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a balance between sound characteristics.
In terms of construction, the different housing materials in the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro contribute to unique typing experiences. The qualities of the top and bottom housings are split between the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a distinct tactile and auditory experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Gold Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is still considered medium. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro providing a lighter touch compared to the Gold Brown. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the ideal choice. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Gold Brown for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more common choice, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, for example, may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress may opt for the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 switch offers a well-balanced and relatively softer sound profile compared to most switches. It presents a neutral characteristic, making it suitable for various environments and skill levels. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as having a higher-pitched sound profile, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground. It offers a satisfying tactile bump without being too overwhelming, giving users a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by its accented and bouncy feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility and a spring-like feedback upon key press. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Brown provides a balanced and mild typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro delivers a higher-pitched sound and a bouncier tactile feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, knowing that both are designed to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a moderate bottom out force and a well-balanced typing experience with a slight bump, softer sound profile, and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, higher-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and a typing experience with a more lively and bouncy feel, the Lavender Purple V3 Pro could be the switch that suits your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences.
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