Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch with a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke. It offers a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience and is characterized as bouncy, clacky, and silky. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch with a medium tactile feel that provides a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, offering a precise and comfortable typing experience. It is designed to be quiet, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces, and is categorized as buttery, stepped, and muted. While each switch has its own unique qualities, it is important to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine which one best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), one clear difference is in their top housing materials. The V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro may provide a more subdued and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Bluish White (V2).
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as well as its sound absorption properties. This means that both the V3 Piano Pro and the Silent Bluish White (V2) will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to their bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that users will experience a duller and rounder sound profile, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch model.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the V3 Piano Pro and Silent Bluish White (V2) both feature nylon bottom housings, their contrasting top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials means that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing. Ultimately, whether opting for the deeper sound of nylon in the V3 Piano Pro or the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White (V2), users can expect a unique typing experience based on their choice of housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is clear that the Silent Bluish White (V2) is the lighter option overall. The Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2) with 42 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Akko V3 requires 55 grams while the Silent Bluish White (V2) only needs 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the V3 Piano Pro offering a slightly firmer feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for users seeking a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, as both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5mm. This means that both switches offer a similar keypress experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to have a consistent typing feel between the two switches. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a familiar typing experience whether they choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro or the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
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 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch is described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound profile compared to the clacky sound of the V3 Piano Pro. Depending on your preference for sound, the V3 Piano Pro will provide a more audible typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) will keep noise levels to a minimum, making it ideal for quieter environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities indicate a switch that provides a spring-like feedback with smooth and buttery keystrokes, minimal friction, and a refined finish for sleek typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. This suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle typing feel that offers a more approachable and middle-ground sensation. The stepped characteristic adds a mild two-stage feel, providing a unique typing experience with a gentle resistance.
In conclusion, if you prefer a more audible and snappy typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prioritize a quieter and more gentle typing feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get satisfying results based on your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy sound signature that adds a lively quality to each keystroke, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a medium tactile feel and a quiet typing experience suitable for office or shared spaces, then the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing environment, so consider these factors carefully when choosing between the two switches.
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