Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities to consider. The V3 Piano Pro's Piano Pro switches are celebrated for their snappy sound signature, providing a lively and crisp feel to each keystroke, while also maintaining a smooth actuation for an overall pleasing tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch from TTC is renowned for its smooth and noiseless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. 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
3.50 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
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
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their composition. The nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red yields a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer either a duller, rounder sound or a clear, resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate used in the Silent Red allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding another dimension to the overall aesthetics of the switch.
On the other hand, both the V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar impact on sound profile - a deeper and fuller sound due to the absorption of more sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing may have more of an influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing is more significant in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the difference in top housing materials between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the V3 Piano Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Silent Red provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Whether one prefers a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, resonant sound is a key factor in selecting the right switch for individual typing preferences. Both switches, however, share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users can expect a similar experience from both switches. However, where they differ is in their bottom out force. The V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the TTC Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the TTC Silent Red will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Some users may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. The slight difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. If you prefer a quicker response time and a more shallow feel, the V3 Piano Pro would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Silent Red may be more to your liking. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 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
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is best known for its snappy and lively sound signature, creating a satisfyingly crisp and bright sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without the loud noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and smooth typing experience with a pleasant rebound sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a seamless and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience but cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Silent Red will depend on whether you prefer a snappy and lively sound or a muted and quiet typing experience, as well as whether you prefer a bouncy or buttery feel. Regardless of which switch you choose, both options offer a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it really comes down to your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a snappy and lively sound signature with smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a seamless feel and a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort, then the TTC Silent Red switch would be the better option. Consider your sound and feel preferences closely to determine which switch aligns best with your mechanical keyboard needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what you value most in your typing experience.
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