TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their unique characteristics. The Light Cloud V2 is praised for its silent and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke while still providing a smooth tactile experience. While the Light Cloud V2 is categorized as 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', the V3 Piano Pro is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch offers its own set of benefits, 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
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a dulled and rounder sound compared to other housing materials. As a result, users of both keyboards can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the common use of nylon in the housing construction.
Despite both keyboards using nylon for their housing materials, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may have slight differences in sound and feel due to the design of their top and bottom switch housings. The qualities of the nylon material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when a key is released. This means that the typing experience may vary slightly between the two keyboards, depending on how the nylon is utilized in the design of their respective housings. However, overall, users can still expect a similar deep and full sound profile from both keyboards when typing.
In conclusion, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon housing materials for their switches, the slight differences in design between their top and bottom housings may result in a slightly varied typing experience. The use of nylon in the housing construction of both keyboards allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer nature of the material creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Overall, users of both keyboards can enjoy a high-quality typing experience with similar results in sound and feel, thanks to the nylon housing materials utilized in their construction.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch reveals a few differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the Light Cloud V2 has a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a bit heavier compared to the V3 Piano Pro with a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to start typing, the Light Cloud V2 offers a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. The weight of a switch can affect typing comfort and endurance, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches giving a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Light Cloud V2 and V3 Piano Pro will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them identical in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that both offer the same tactile feedback and key press experience to users. With a travel distance of 3.5 mm, users can expect a consistent and smooth typing experience whether they choose the Light Cloud V2 or the V3 Piano Pro linear switch. This standard travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key press feel and overall typing comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Light Cloud V2 offers a muted and neutral experience, producing softer and quieter keystrokes suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a clacky and resonant sound profile, adding a sharp and lively quality to each key press. Depending on your preference for sound, the Light Cloud V2 would be more understated while the V3 Piano Pro would provide a more pronounced and engaging auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Light Cloud V2 offers a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and minimizes fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, ensuring smooth and responsive keystrokes with a spring-like rebound sensation. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Light Cloud V2 would provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro would offer a more luxurious and refined feel.
Overall, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a quiet and gentle typing experience with a nuanced and delicate feel, ideal for those seeking a refined and subtle key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a lively and engaging sound with a smooth and polished feel, perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced and luxurious typing experience. Choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a quieter and softer typing experience (Light Cloud V2) or a crisper and more resonant typing experience (V3 Piano Pro).
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a quieter typing experience with a lightweight feel, opt for the Light Cloud V2. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappier sound profile and a smoother, more refined typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience, so choose based on what aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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