Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and TTC Speed Silver are both exceptional choices when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is favored for its fast and precise typing capabilities, with a light-medium level of resistance and reduced travel distance for effortless actuation. While the V3 Piano Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Speed Silver is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Speed Silver offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic quality, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall design.
On the other hand, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar sound profiles that are deep and full due to the softer plastic material absorbing more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a cohesive typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the V3 Piano Pro and the Speed Silver. However, the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch impacts the overall sound profile and feel when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Speed Silver comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro provides a softer, deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver offers a crisper, sharper tone. Despite differences in materials, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a sharper, higher-pitched tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them both medium-light switches. This means that they will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes and bottoming out. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter switch like these two options can be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue might be a concern. However, for those who prefer a stronger tactile feel and a more substantial typing experience, a heavier switch would be more suitable. In this case, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Speed Silver offer a balanced force that will cater to a wide range of preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to everyone, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the TTC Speed Silver could be the preferred option. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, and choosing between them may come down to personal preference and how you prefer the key press to feel.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched and immersive profile. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing preferences. Depending on the board and keycaps used, the overall sound experience can vary between the two switches.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, providing a lively feel with smooth and buttery key travel. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the V3 Piano Pro switch leans towards a more bouncy and creamy feel compared to the Speed Silver switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro switch provides a snappy and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, whereas the Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on the desired sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their preferred typing experience. Ultimately, with the proper setup, both switches can provide similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider the characteristics that matter most to you. If you prioritize a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation for a lively typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance and a light-medium resistance, the TTC Speed Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the bouncy and creamy feel of the V3 Piano Pro or the mild and polished feel of the Speed Silver. Take into account your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch will best enhance your overall typing experience.
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