Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko V3 Piano Pro switches stand out as a linear option, celebrated for their lively sound signature and smooth actuation. With a design that incorporates a long pole, these switches deliver a crisp and resonant auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable, combined with a silky-smooth keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a tactile experience characterized by a rounded bump and a muted sound profile, making them well-suited for those who prefer a more discreet and comfortable typing experience. While the V3 Piano Pro might appeal to gamers and enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging soundscape, the Silent Brown caters to typists seeking a quieter, yet satisfying tactile sensation. Both switches have their unique advantages, and understanding their distinct qualities can help you make an informed choice. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Brown, a notable distinction lies in the top housing material. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of this softer plastic. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown features polycarbonate as its top housing material, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This contrast results from the inherent properties of each material: nylon’s ability to absorb sound leads to a more muted auditory experience, while polycarbonate, being stiffer, creates a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, when typing on these switches, users may notice a pronounced difference in audio feedback due to the choice of top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the V3 Piano Pro and the Silent Brown are made of nylon, reinforcing the deeper sound profile common to both switches. The employment of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a similar tactile experience and bottom-out sound across both models since nylon’s softer qualities govern the feel when a key is fully pressed down. This shared material thus aligns their performance in terms of sound dampening and overall tactile feedback when bottoming out, giving users a consistent experience despite the variance in top housing materials.
In essence, the divergent choice of materials in the top housing creates contrasting sound profiles for the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches, while the uniformity in their bottom housing fosters a similarity in tactile sensation. The nylon bottom housings of both switches ensure that users will feel a rich, rounded sound when bottoming out, while the distinct top housings dictate the overall auditory characteristics upon releasing the keys. Consequently, users seeking a specific sound experience may opt for the V3 Piano Pro for a softer, deeper sound, or the TTC Silent Brown for a brighter, crisper auditory experience, while still enjoying comparable tactile feedback at the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making their initial keystroke feel quite similar and suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a noticeable difference: the V3 Piano Pro bottom out at 55 grams, while the Silent Brown reaches a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while both switches feel similarly light at the actuation point, the Silent Brown provides a heavier overall feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, if you favor a lighter switch, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is the better choice, whereas the TTC Silent Brown is ideal for those who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Brown features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which gives it a more substantial feel. This implies that users who prefer a quicker response time may gravitate towards the Akko V3, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy the sensation of deeper key presses may find the TTC Silent Brown more appealing due to its longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 examining the sound profiles of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches, they present stark contrasts. The V3 Piano Pro boasts a lively, clacky sound characterized by its energetic and resonant notes. Each keystroke tends to produce a crisp and bright sound signature, making typing an expressive auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Brown switches emphasize a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes. This design minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a more subdued acoustic operation that is ideal for quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the V3 Piano Pro switches offer a bouncy and smooth typing experience, providing a lively, spring-like sensation with a silky, creamy finish. This results in a very engaging typing experience, where users often glide effortlessly across the keys. The tactile feedback is pronounced yet refined, allowing for quick responses in fast-paced environments. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown switches are designed to deliver a buttery feel that is mild and approachable. The well-rounded tactile bump offers a satisfying resistance without overwhelming the user, making the typing experience more controlled and pleasant. Like the V3 Piano Pro, the Silent Brown switches also promise a polished feel with reduced friction, enhancing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches and the TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences, especially regarding sound and typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro is for those who enjoy a lively and responsive typing environment with a distinctive auditory feedback, while the Silent Brown caters to users drawn to a muted sound and a more gentle tactile experience. Both switches, while differing significantly in sound, share a polished feel, making them suitable choices depending on the user's desired environment and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a lively and engaging typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro is an excellent choice due to its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, snappy sound signature, and smooth feel that gives a bouncy and polished response. This makes it particularly enjoyable for those who type quickly or frequently, and who appreciate a touch of auditory excitement with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go with its medium-heavy 63.5 grams actuation force, satisfying rounded tactile bump, and muted sound profile. This makes it an ideal option for office environments or shared spaces where noise control is crucial. Ultimately, your choice should align with your workflow, whether you desire a lively sound and feel or a more serene, tactile typing experience.
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