Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), a linear switch. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is favored for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) is known for its extremely quiet sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and a pillowy feel while typing. The Lavender Purple Pro provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience for those who prioritize minimal noise and smooth key presses. 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
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. Despite the shared material for the top housing, the switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizing polycarbonate.
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen (V2). Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the top housing predominantly influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound, with additional benefits for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the differences in bottom housing materials, with nylon for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and polycarbonate for the Silent Frozen (V2), contribute to the overall typing experience by impacting the depth and fullness of the sound produced. Ultimately, understanding the properties of different housing materials can help tailor the typing experience to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is clear that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Frozen (V2) which has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Silent Frozen (V2). Some users may prefer the lighter touch of the Silent Frozen (V2) for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the more substantial feel of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Silent Frozen switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Silent Frozen switch may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.55.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to an overall delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile, producing a thocky sound that is deep and rich when pressed and released. The Silent Frozen switches also offer a low-pitched and muted sound, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet satisfying. The Silent Frozen (V2) switches, on the other hand, are characterized as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback, both provide excellent qualities that cater to specific preferences. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. However, if you value a silent typing experience with smooth and buttery key presses, the Silent Frozen (V2) switches would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile with super smooth and pillowy feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) might be the better option. Make your decision based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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