TTC Neptune vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune, a linear switch, to the Akko V3 Silver Pro, also a linear switch, notable differences emerge that cater to different preferences and needs. The Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that provides a unique typing experience characterized by a smooth, frictionless glide and a springy resistance akin to chewy delicacies like mochi. This switch offers a textured pleasure with a muted sound signature, making it ideal for those seeking a refined and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is engineered specifically for gamers, boasting an easy-to-press feel, pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for rapid keystrokes necessary in competitive gaming. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, delving deeper into the specific qualities of each switch will ultimately lead you to the best choice for your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Neptune's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound quality is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to POM. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the V3 Silver Pro.
In terms of bottom housings, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. This split between the top and bottom housing materials allows each switch to offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released.
Overall, both the TTC Neptune and the Akko V3 Silver Pro showcase the impact that different housing materials can have on sound profiles. While the Neptune leans towards a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing, the V3 Silver Pro offers a sharper and crisper tone with its polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the contrast continues with the bottom housings, as the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors its top housing, while the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to its sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be significant in practice, as users are likely to achieve similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter (Neptune) or slightly heavier (V3 Silver Pro) typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. The Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a more immediate and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 Neptune linear switch is renowned for its low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound profile. The low-pitched nature of these switches provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is easy on the ears, while the muted sound signature ensures a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is characterized as having a high-pitched sound, which delivers a sharp and crisp tone with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the mellower sound of the Neptune or the crisper sound of the V3 Silver Pro for their typing endeavors.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience. The buttery feel of these switches indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the gummy sensation at bottoming out adds a unique tactile element to each press. The frictionless nature of the Neptune switch ensures minimal resistance and effortlessness during typing sessions, making it a delight to use. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel. The creamy texture of these switches offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, enhanced by the light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Users seeking a comfortable and responsive typing feel may find the V3 Silver Pro switch to be an optimal choice.
Overall, both the TTC Neptune and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and use cases. While the Neptune excels in providing a matte feel with a muted sound signature, the V3 Silver Pro stands out for its gaming-focused features such as a light actuation force and shortened travel distance. Depending on whether one prioritizes a refined typing experience or swift key actuation, users can select the switch that best suits their needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience that aligns with their respective design focuses.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a unique matte typing experience with a buttery and frictionless feel, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Neptune may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches engineered for speed, featuring an easy-to-press and feathery feel with a pleasing bassy sound, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, whether you value innovative internal structure and a subdued sound or prioritize light actuation force and smooth key travel, both switches offer distinct qualities to enhance your typing or gaming experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enjoy the satisfying feel and sound they provide.