TTC Iron vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Iron, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch. The TTC Iron stands out for its pronounced clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. With its light actuation and smooth travel, it offers precision and pleasure in every keystroke, making it a great choice for both enthusiasts and daily users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. While the Iron is easy-to-press and neutral, the Lavender Purple Pro is accented and polished. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Iron's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to POM, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound due to its clear and translucent nature. On the other hand, the Iron's POM bottom housing provides a pleasing sound that is deep and unique, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing results in a fuller and rounder sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller yet satisfying typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the TTC Iron and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles for mechanical keyboards. The use of POM in the Iron's housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is more muted and deeper, while the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro leads to a fuller and deeper sound compared to the Iron's POM bottom housing. These differences in housing materials highlight the impact that material choice can have on the overall typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall typing experience of a switch. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with softer materials like nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with materials like polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound upon key release. By carefully selecting housing materials for both the top and bottom of a switch, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Iron switch requires 50 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch needs 55 grams. This means that the Iron switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. For users who prefer a stronger push feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch may be the better choice, while those who prefer a lighter touch can opt for the Iron switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Iron linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect to feel a consistent 3.8 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that regardless of which switch is chosen, users will experience a similar level of keypress feedback and actuation distance. Whether typing on the TTC Iron linear switch or the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the travel distance remains consistent at 3.8 mm, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch is best known for its clacky sound, which provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a delightful typing experience, though specific details on the sound characteristics are unknown. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Iron switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in an effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, providing a medium tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is mentioned as having a bouncy and snappy feel, giving a lively sensation when typing. The TTC Iron switch, however, is described as having a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback suited for different preferences.
Overall, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The TTC Iron switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, providing a precise and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch boasts a higher-pitched sound profile, an accented and bouncy feel, offering a delightful typing experience with medium tactility. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that aligns with their typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the TTC Iron linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a pronounced clacky sound with light actuation, smooth travel, and easy-to-press keys, the TTC Iron is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a tactile bump and accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Choose the switch that resonates with your typing style and preferences the most.
Mentioned in this article
