TTC Honey vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Honey is favored for its smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Honey is categorized as subdued, buttery, and polished, the V3 Piano Pro is described as bouncy, clacky, and silky. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preferences 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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 spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro have distinctive top housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the softer nature of nylon. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Honey produces a more resonant sound, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer different characteristics for switch performance. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when pressing down on the switch, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro adds to a deeper and fuller sound experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, making each keystroke unique to the housing material used. However, both switches maintain a balance with their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a harmonious typing experience overall.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Piano Pro ultimately offer unique sound profiles based on their polycarbonate and nylon compositions. The polycarbonate housing in the Honey emphasizes clarity and resonance in both the top and bottom of the switch, while the nylon housing in the V3 Piano Pro creates a deeper and rounder sound profile. Each switch's housing material has a distinct impact on the overall typing experience, with the qualities of the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the sound during key press. Whether using the Honey or the V3 Piano Pro, users can expect a customized sound experience based on the carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Honey is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight differences in force may be noticeable to users who prefer a lighter or heavier typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Honey switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more pronounced push feel may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular with gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Honey switch may offer a slightly more substantial feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 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 it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound signature, giving off a crisp and percussive tone with a resonant high-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that will cater to different preferences, with the Honey being more subdued and the V3 Piano Pro being livelier and crisper.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It also delivers a subtle and polished feel, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch delivers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and silky typing experience. It also offers a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile experience, with the Honey being more buttery and the V3 Piano Pro offering a bouncier feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a more subdued sound and a smoother typing experience, the TTC Honey would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a livelier and crisper sound signature along with a bouncy and creamy feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so experimenting with different combinations may lead to similar results with these switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound, the Honey switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a snappy and clacky sound with a bouncy and polished feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and which characteristics align best with your preferences.
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