TTC Gold Silver vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and the Akko V3 Piano Pro have garnered attention for their distinct performances tailored to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver, a linear switch, is celebrated for its quick responsiveness and smooth actuation, featuring a shortened travel distance that culminates in a satisfying bottom-out experience. This is complemented by a low-pitched sound profile that provides an understated resonance, perfect for those who appreciate subtlety in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a more vibrant typing experience with its long pole design that produces a snappy and clacky sound. Users can enjoy a lively auditory feedback paired with a creamy smoothness, making it ideal for those who value not just functionality but also the engaging sound of their keyboard. Both switches cater to different typing experiences—speed and precision versus lively auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials utilized in the TTC Gold Silver and the Akko V3 Piano Pro display distinct characteristics that influence their acoustic properties. The TTC Gold Silver's top housing is made of polycarbonate, known for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer plastic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, allowing for a crisper audio experience when typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's top housing is crafted from nylon, a softer material that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. Consequently, users can expect a deeper, fuller sound with the V3, where the nylon absorbs some of the vibrations, creating a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, the differences in their top housing lead to contrasting sound profiles.

Examining the bottom housing, we find more similarities between the two switches. Both the TTC Gold Silver and Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon in their bottom housings. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to produce a rich, deep sound due to its softer composition, which dampens vibrations and minimizes resonance. This shared material in the bottom housing implies that both switches will yield a rounder bottom-out sound and feeling during use. Since the bottom housing usually influences the bottom-out sound more than the top, users can expect a consistent experience in this aspect regardless of the differences in the top housing between the two models.

In summary, the TTC Gold Silver and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct auditory experiences due to their differing top housing materials, yet they share a common material in their bottom housings. The polycarbonate of the Gold Silver's top contributes to a brighter sound profile, while the nylon used in the V3 produces a more subdued response. However, both switches will deliver a satisfying, fuller sound when pressed down due to the nylon in the bottom housing. As such, while the two models present unique characteristics, they can achieve a similar acoustic outcome, particularly in the bottom-out phase, creating a robust typing experience regardless of individual preference in sound profiles.

Weight

The comparison between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch reveals some interesting contrasts in their specifications. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will provide a similarly responsive feel when triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is distinguished by its bottom out force of 55 grams, which suggests a firmer typing experience when pressing down all the way. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch has an unspecified bottom out force, leaving us without definitive information on how it compares in that regard. Consequently, while both switches share the same actuation pressure, the V3 Piano Pro is the heavier option overall due to its higher bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a more substantial tactile response.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a comparable keypress experience when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you will achieve similar tactile feedback and actuation feel during typing or gaming. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that the switches will perform similarly in terms of depth and responsiveness, providing a consistent feel regardless of the choice between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The TTC Gold Silver produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, culminating in a deep, satisfying thud that resonates with a sense of confidence with each keystroke. This switch tends to have a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments, be it at home or in office settings, making it versatile for different typing styles. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound that is bright and sharp, offering a percussive auditory experience. The lively quality of the V3 Piano Pro's sound might be more suited to those who appreciate a crisp feedback with each key press, appealing particularly to gamers or enthusiasts favoring a more vibrant aural experience.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver excels with its polished and silky smoothness, providing an incredibly refined typing experience. The mild resistance adds to its subtle nature, making it accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of users, including newcomers to mechanical keyboards. This smoothness leads to a fluid keystroke action where fingers can glide effortlessly across the switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a bouncy and creamy feel, which results in a more lively typing experience. With the creamy texture contributing to a buttery sensation upon key actuation, users can expect an engaging feedback that feels almost elastic. Both switches share the polished and silky characteristics, ensuring a premium and smooth typing experience but diverge on the tactile energy they evoke.

In summary, while both TTC Gold Silver and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference. The Gold Silver’s low-pitched thockiness and smooth action lend themselves to a more subdued typing experience, whereas the clacky and bouncy nature of the V3 Piano Pro introduces a lively and engaging feel. Both switches maintain high-quality attributes, providing smoothness and refined responses, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you will experience superior performance and satisfaction in your typing endeavors.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch primarily depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you're looking for a switch that offers rapid responsiveness and a smooth keystroke, the TTC Gold Silver is ideal, especially if you appreciate a deeper, thocky sound profile and a polished feel. Its lack of a defined bottom-out force allows for a seamless typing experience, making it excellent for fast-paced gaming or typing-intensive tasks where precision is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lively and percussive typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be your best bet. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance between ease of actuation and a crisp, clacky sound. The bouncy feel and resonant sound signature can enhance your typing joy, making it particularly suited for general typing and creative endeavors where a satisfying auditory feedback enhances your experience. Ultimately, your choice reflects whether you favor the swift responsiveness of the Gold Silver or the vibrant engagement of the V3 Piano Pro, tailoring your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your unique style.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more