TTC Ice vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Akko V3 Piano Pro present two intriguing options, each with unique characteristics tailored for distinct user preferences. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their crystal-clear transparent design and a smooth, responsive feel, providing a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks. Their satisfying bottom-out sound makes them appealing for those who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches stand out with a long pole design that produces a lively, crisp sound signature, adding an energetic dimension to each keystroke. This switch also offers a smooth actuation, combining auditory charm with a satisfying tactile experience. While both options are linear switches, the Ice focuses on a refined, understated experience, while the Piano Pro brings a vibrant, resonant quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a distinct contrast emerges between the polycarbonate and nylon used in each switch. The Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its increased stiffness leading to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency makes it particularly suitable for showcasing RGB lighting, giving it an aesthetic advantage for users who enjoy visual customization. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro employs a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer, sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, creating an overall typing experience that feels more rounded and muted compared to the clarity of the Ice's polycarbonate top. Therefore, users of the Ice switch can expect a brighter auditory experience, while those using the V3 Piano Pro will favor a more subdued and warmer sound.
Similarly, the bottom housing of each switch reflects these material characteristics, reinforcing the sonic differences found in their top housings. The Ice’s polycarbonate bottom also contributes to its sharp and clear sound profile, enhancing the overall resonance and clarity of each keystroke. By contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro continues the trend of a softer touch and sound absorption, culminating in a more profound and softer bottom-out experience. The unique interaction of the bottom and top housings in each switch plays a crucial role in shaping the auditory presence and tactile feel of the switch, with a clear distinction between the crispness of the Ice and the depth of the V3 Piano Pro.
Ultimately, while the Ice and V3 Piano Pro utilize different materials for their housings, understanding how each component balances sound and feel provides an insight into their performance. Users can anticipate that the Ice will deliver a more pronounced auditory feedback with a crisper sound when releasing a key, thanks to the rigid polycarbonate material. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro will offer a more muted experience, with its softer nylon promoting a fuller sound during key presses and a deeper feel upon bottoming out. Thus, depending on the switch preference of a user—whether they prioritize sharpness or depth—each offers its unique merits that cater to different typing styles and acoustic tastes.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equivalent in this regard. This similarity means that users can expect similar results when it comes to the force needed to trigger keystrokes, offering a comparable typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ice switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This distinction indicates that while both switches have the same initial actuation requirement, the TTC Ice provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, being lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, may be more suitable for those who type for extended periods or prefer a gentler touch. Thus, the TTC Ice is the heavier option, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ice switch provides a bit more travel depth compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Gamers and those seeking faster response times may appreciate the shorter distance of the V3 Piano Pro, as it can lead to quicker actuation, whereas the TTC Ice may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers with its deeper travel. Overall, if you're looking for a snappier response, the Akko V3 Piano Pro with its 3.5 mm distance would be the preferable choice, while the TTC Ice, at 3.6 mm, might better suit those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress.
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 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 Ice linear switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound, contributing to a premium auditory experience without being overly harsh. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is characterized by its clacky and resonant qualities, producing sharp and snappy notes with each keystroke. This lively, crisp sound signature can add an engaging and immersive dimension to typing or gaming, making it distinctly more pronounced compared to the understated tone of the Ice switch. However, it’s important to remember that sound perception is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is commended for its smooth and responsive actuation, providing a pleasant typing experience that is likely to appeal to users looking for a linear switch. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro shines with its bouncy and creamy feedback, along with its polished and silky characteristics that come together to create a luxurious typing sensation. The bounciness of the V3 allows for a lively and engaging experience, while its creamy texture ensures that each keystroke feels effortless. This combination yields an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable experience that contrasts with the straightforward linear feel of the Ice switch.
Overall, while both the TTC Ice and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches provide smooth operation, they cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile experiences. The Ice switch tends to deliver a more subdued sound and a straightforward feel, appealing to those who appreciate a clean and refined typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro offers a more vibrant sound profile coupled with a lively tactile feedback that some may find exciting. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a medium-bottom-out force and appreciate a premium typing experience that balances gaming and daily tasks, the TTC Ice switches could be the perfect fit. Their smooth and responsive feel, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, makes them well-suited for users who favor a clean and efficient typing experience without an overwhelming auditory profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a snappy and lively sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches stand out as an excellent option. The long pole design delivers a uniquely bouncy and creamy typing experience, promoting a more engaging and dynamic interaction with your keyboard. As such, if you're someone who thrives on auditory feedback and appreciates a more tactile sensation with each keystroke, the clacky and resonant qualities of the V3 Piano Pro switches will likely enhance your typing and gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your ergonomic needs, auditory preferences, and the type of experience you seek in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
