TTC Silent Brown vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Its muted sound profile makes it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, this switch is perfect for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Silent Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings ensure that both switches deliver a consistent auditory experience, making them suitable for users who prioritize sound quality.
In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on depth and fullness. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent tactile sound when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while the TTC Silent Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in their bottom housing materials, their use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a similar sound experience when using the switches. The combination of polycarbonate top housings for sharp and crisp sound, along with nylon bottom housings for deeper and fuller sound, allows for a balanced auditory experience with each key press. Whether users prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Silent Brown requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Brown also has a higher force of 63.5 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. Those looking for a lighter typing experience for longer periods may prefer the V3 Silver Pro, while others seeking a more robust typing feel may opt for the Silent Brown.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for quicker response times, especially among gamers. However, the Silent Brown offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the V3 Silver Pro. If you prefer a bit more depth and tactility in your key switches, the Silent Brown would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear key press, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 TTC Silent Brown offers a muted typing experience with a softer and quieter sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, catering to those who enjoy a more distinct and vibrant typing sound. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Silent Brown providing a more low-key typing experience and the V3 Silver Pro offering a more energetic and lively sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches offer an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience, with the Silent Brown being more subdued and the V3 Silver Pro offering a more dynamic and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Brown provides a muted sound and a buttery typing feel, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a high-pitched sound and a creamy, feathery typing feel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the choice between the two depending on whether you prefer a more subdued or vibrant typing experience. Ultimately, with either switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and usage scenario. If you value a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and muted sound profile, then the Silent Brown switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches specifically designed for gaming with light actuation force and a smooth keystroke experience, then the V3 Silver Pro switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences and needs when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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