TTC Ice vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switches can significantly enhance both your gaming and typing experience, making an informed decision essential. The TTC Ice switches shine with their crystal-clear design, delivering a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound that caters to both gamers and casual users. These switches are well-regarded for their balance of performance and aesthetics, providing a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are specifically engineered for gamers, boasting a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance to maximize responsiveness in competitive scenarios. With smooth keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro offers a tactile feedback that many gamers find compelling. While both switches are linear and prioritize a seamless typing experience, the Ice excels in aesthetic appeal and versatility, whereas the V3 Silver Pro focuses on performance under pressure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both switches share the same polycarbonate material for their top housing. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both models. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, not only enhances the resonance of the sound but also ensures translucency, which is particularly appealing for users who wish to utilize RGB lighting. The aesthetic choice of a clear housing in both switches emphasizes this feature, promoting a visually striking display when backlit.
However, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to the sharper sound profile characterizing the switch. This unification of housing materials enhances the clarity and resonant qualities of the overall sound when the switch is engaged. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively and thus provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. This results in a contrast to the Ice, making the V3 Silver Pro's actuation experience feel rounder and less harsh during key presses.
The distinctions in bottom housing materials shape the sensory experience offered by each switch, even as they share similarities in their top housing. The TTC Ice’s dual polycarbonate structure amplifies a consistent sound across both the bottom and top, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro delineates its sound profile with nylon at the base, nurturing a blended auditory experience when typing. Ultimately, these differences influence the overall sensation one experiences during use; the Ice provides sharp clarity, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a warm fullness, though users can achieve desirable RGB effects with either option thanks to their compatible top housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium resistance switch, while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the V3 Silver Pro for its ease of actuation and reduced effort during extended use. Conversely, those who enjoy a firmer feel and more substantial feedback will find the TTC Ice more appealing due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, while the TTC Ice provides a stronger push for a more tactile experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro allows for longer typing sessions with less strain, making it ideal for users prioritizing comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it’s clear that they cater to different preferences. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the better choice for those seeking a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances can enhance quick key presses, making it ideal for gamers. In contrast, the TTC Ice, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, providing a different tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between pleasant and unobtrusive, making it suitable for both gaming and casual typing without being overly loud. Its smooth and responsive actuation contributes to a refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches emit a high-pitched, sharp sound that can be described as crisp and clear. This switch is designed to cater to gamers, offering a pleasing bassy sound that feels cohesive with its performance advantages. The distinct acoustic characteristics of each switch will appeal to different users, depending on their preference for a more muted or pronounced sound profile.
When evaluating the feel of each switch, the TTC Ice linear switch is known for offering a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a consistent and polished key press. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro excels in delivering an exceptionally easy-to-press and creamy sensation. With a light actuation force and reduced travel distance, it reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort, particularly during extended typing or gaming sessions. The combination of these qualities results in a light, feathery feel that ensures effortless key activation. Both switches excel in providing minimal resistance, though the V3 Silver Pro has a more pronounced buttery texture that enhances tactile enjoyment.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch each offer their unique auditory and tactile experiences, they do share similarities that cater to both casual and intense use cases. The Ice switch provides a more neutral sound and smooth actuation, making it a versatile option, whereas the V3 Silver Pro's high-pitched sound and creamy key feel lend themselves well to competitive gaming. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing and gaming experiences by emphasizing comfort and responsiveness, so you can expect enjoyable performance from either choice depending on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re seeking a balanced switch that provides a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, which still offers a satisfying typing experience and a rich sound profile, the TTC Ice would be a great fit. Its crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel make it versatile for both gaming and daily typing tasks, appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback and sound quality in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and efficiency, especially during fast-paced gaming sessions, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered for you. With its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force, this switch offers a creamy, feathery feel that minimizes finger fatigue, enabling you to execute rapid key presses with ease. The high-pitched sound can be more pleasing to those who prefer sharper auditory feedback over deeper bass sounds. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value a more robust typing experience where sound and feel take center stage or a lighter, quicker switch designed to enhance performance in gaming scenarios.
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