Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its tactile feedback, higher-pitched sound profile, and satisfying bump during typing, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts seeking an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile perfect for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. While the Lavender Purple Pro is 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Silent Red is 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this material in common for their top housings, they may differ in terms of design and aesthetics, providing users with a variety of options to choose from.
In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate housing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in terms of sound profile. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of nylon, showcasing a different aspect of sound quality compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Silent Red, the overall sound profile and feel of the switches may be similar due to the balancing act between the two housing materials. Each material brings its own unique characteristics to the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released. Ultimately, both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to provide users with a diverse typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Red's heavier force of 63.5 grams. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a smoother and lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Silent Red slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile, which can be more prominent compared to other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes the Silent Red switch a great choice for environments where noise may be a concern, such as in an office or shared living space.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a tactile bump that is satisfying without being overwhelming. These switches also offer a spring-like feedback sensation, giving keys a lively and responsive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, delivering a smooth and uniform typing experience. These switches are known for their consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out for added comfort during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and TTC Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile and a more tactile typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch may be the way to go. However, if a quieter typing experience with a smooth and consistent feel is what you're after, then the TTC Silent Red switch would be the better choice. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard, so trying out both switches firsthand would be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience without sacrificing comfort, the TTC Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment for the most enjoyable experience.
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