TTC Ice vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Ice is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, featuring a striking crystal-clear design that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for a seamless, uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that brings a delightful tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile to the table, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Its 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished' characteristics make it a great option for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a more engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches, it is notable that both models feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This shared use of polycarbonate leads to a similar auditory experience, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound that is particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is employed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switches. This uniformity in top housing materials suggests that users can expect similar performance in terms of sound clarity and responsiveness when pressing these switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate in the bottom housing, which retains the same sonic characteristics as the top housing, reinforcing the higher-pitched sound profile throughout the entire switch structure. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs nylon for its bottom housing. This material shift introduces a softer profile that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The nylon's ability to dampen sound contributes to a rounder, more muted bottom-out sound, creating a distinct contrast to the sharper notes delivered by the Ice.
The differences in bottom housing materials mean that the overall sound profile and feel of the switches will vary significantly. While both switches share the same clear sound from the polycarbonate top, the TTC Ice's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures a consistently crisp auditory feedback throughout. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its combination of polycarbonate and softer nylon, presents a hybrid auditory experience where the top housing’s clarity meets the bottom housing’s warmth, resulting in a more balanced sound equation. Thus, the unique pairing of materials within each switch helps deliver distinct keyboard experiences, catering to various preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we see some similarities and key differences in their force specifications. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without undue finger fatigue. However, the bottom-out forces differ: the Ice has a bottom-out force of 60 grams, which signifies a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lower bottom-out force of 55 grams. This slight difference means the Ice switch requires a bit more force to bottom out, making it feel heavier overall compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, which maintains a lighter feel throughout the keystroke. Thus, while both switches have the same actuation force, the TTC Ice is the heavier option, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a lighter typing experience, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we find a noticeable difference. The TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro extends slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the TTC Ice the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel that is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a more substantial tactile experience, suited for individuals who appreciate a deeper keypress. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance, the TTC Ice is the choice for a quicker response, whereas the Akko switch might be better for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that is distinct and deep, contributing to an enjoyable auditory experience, particularly during extended typing or gaming sessions. This sound profile complements its smooth operation, making it generally favorable for environments where a more subdued noise level is appreciated. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch showcases a higher-pitched sound profile that is noticeably brighter, adding to the auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. While the Ice switch leans toward a low and controlled sound, the Lavender Purple Pro's characteristic "tack" sound upon actuation helps enhance the tactile experience, allowing users to feel more engaged with their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Ice switches offer a smooth and responsive experience that typists typically favor for both gaming and everyday use. Their linear design ensures there are no tactile bumps to disrupt the flow, providing an uninterrupted keypress that many find appealing. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple Pro switches boast several distinct characteristics, including their medium tactile profile, which offers a pronounced bump without overwhelming the user. The bouncy feel of these switches encourages a lively typing experience with a definite responsive rebound, while their snappy reaction due to optimized spring design ensures that every keypress feels energetic. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches adds a level of refinement to the experience, reducing friction and enhancing overall smoothness in key travel.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, thus making them ideal for various types of users. The TTC Ice linear switch is perfect for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is geared toward those who enjoy a tactile response paired with an engaging sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactility (in which case the Lavender Purple Pro would stand out) or seamless, linear motion combined with a rich bottom-out sound (which the Ice excels at). Both options present unique qualities but promise an excellent typing experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you desire a smooth and responsive experience for both gaming and everyday typing, the TTC Ice switch, with its 60 gram bottom-out force, would likely suit you well, offering a premium feel and satisfying sound that enhances your overall typing experience. The crystal-clear design also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback sensation while typing—perhaps you appreciate the feedback of a prominent but not overwhelming tactile bump—the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a snappy and bouncy feel, making typing feel lively and engaging. Plus, their higher-pitched sound profile adds a delightful auditory aspect to your typing. Ultimately, select the TTC Ice for a smooth linear experience or opt for the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro for a more tactile and dynamic typing session, ensuring that your keyboard setup aligns perfectly with your usage needs.
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