Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and TTC Venus both offer distinct advantages worth noting. The V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a unique snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to keystrokes, while maintaining a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch stands out for its ingenious internal configuration, offering a seamless glide and a captivating "Q-texture" that provides a unique matte sensation with smooth and engaging key presses. While the V3 Piano Pro is characterized by its bouncy and clacky feel, the Venus switch is described as buttery, gummy, and low-pitched. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Venus switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound that is duller and rounder due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the Venus switch utilizes a POM top housing to produce a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials result in a pleasing typing experience, the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro focuses on absorbing sound for a softer tone, while the POM housing of the Venus emphasizes a deeper and more subdued sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing mirrors its top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile with a dull and round tone. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with clear housings for RGB lighting. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus focuses on creating a clearer and sharper sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the TTC Venus switches demonstrate the impact of different plastics on sound profiles. While the V3 Piano Pro features consistent nylon housing for both top and bottom, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound with a softer tone, the Venus switch uses a combination of POM and polycarbonate for a unique typing experience. The Venus switch offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing and sharp, crisp sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound profiles, providing users with options for a customized typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Venus which has a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys compared to the Venus. Some users may prefer the V3 Piano Pro for this reason, as it provides a bit more resistance for a tactile typing feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Venus may be preferred by those who desire a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster key presses. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Venus switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher pitch for an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. While the V3 Piano Pro delivers a lively and crisp sound, the Venus switch wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace, creating a more mellow tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the V3 Piano Pro being more vibrant and the Venus offering a more subtle and quiet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery and frictionless feel, giving a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the V3 Piano Pro feeling lively and polished and the Venus feeling fluid and gummy. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience with their unique tactile qualities.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a more vibrant and snappy sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Venus switch provides a quieter and mellow sound with a buttery and frictionless feel. Both switches offer a smooth and engaging typing experience, catering to different preferences based on sound and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lower bottom out force of 52 grams, featuring a unique "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing experience with a muted sound profile, the TTC Venus could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force, ensuring that you select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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