TTC Honey vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as popular options. The TTC Honey is a linear switch that is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. While the Honey is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is labeled as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both use polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Ultimately, both switches will offer similar sound qualities and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, continuing the theme of a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey. This contrast in bottom housing materials will impact the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the different bottom housing materials used in the TTC Honey and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, users can expect a noticeable difference in the typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, the choice between a polycarbonate or nylon bottom housing will ultimately affect the sound profile and feel of each key press.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey is lighter overall. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Honey switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Honey being lighter and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being a bit heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled. This can result in a similar typing experience and feel between the two switches, as they both have the same travel distance. So, while they may have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback, their travel distance is the same, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 Honey linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a more distinct and satisfying auditory feedback during typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Honey linear switch is described as having a creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. Conversely, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by being accented and bouncy, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet still pronounced, giving keys a lively rebound when pressed. Both switches are also described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a smoother and more subdued typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a more distinct and satisfying tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a delightful typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly higher bottom out force, a satisfying tactile bump, and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you value most.
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