Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, gamers and typists alike often find themselves deliberating between options that cater to their specific needs. The Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, offering an easy-to-press feel with a short travel distance that ensures lightning-fast response times, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming environments. Their creamy texture and silky feedback provide not just speed but also a satisfying tactile experience, complemented by a bassy sound that many appreciate. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a unique typing experience favored by those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. With their light actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, these switches create a gentle, effortless feel that reduces strain, making them perfect for typists in search of a smooth and enjoyable keystroke. Both switches have their strengths: the V3 Silver Pro for urgency and performance, while the Yunhai shines in comfort and acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Silver Pro and the TTC Yunhai showcase contrasting housing materials that fundamentally influence the acoustics and overall typing experience of each switch. The V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai sports a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile owing to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves rather than enhancing them. Therefore, while the V3 Silver Pro's configuration may be better suited for users seeking brightness and sharpness in acoustic feedback, the Yunhai appeals to those who prefer a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which diminishes the differences in sound characteristics they deliver. The nylon bottom housing for both switches contributes significantly to producing a deeper sound profile, as nylon's soft composition dulls the acoustics, resulting in a rounded bottom-out sound. This similarity means that despite their differing top housings, users can experience a uniform bottoming experience when typing on both switches. Consequently, this will create a typing experience that is consistent across both switches when considering the feel and sound generated at the key's bottom.
In summary, users may find that while the top housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the TTC Yunhai produce distinctly different sound profiles, the enclosure’s acoustic properties still harmonize when they hit the bottom. While the V3 Silver Pro can deliver crisper sounds upon releasing a key—thanks to its polycarbonate top—the nylon bottom across both switches provides a rhythmic consistency that caters to preference for a smoother tactile response. Ultimately, individuals may choose between these switches based on their desired sound profile upon keystroke release while still enjoying a unified bottom action experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both offer a light typing experience, but they do have subtle differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai switch requires slightly more effort with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Yunhai, being slightly heavier, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. Despite both switches being on the lighter side, these differences can influence user experience significantly, leading to a preference for one over the other based on individual typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The V3 Silver Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Yunhai has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction means that the V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly shorter actuation distance, which can lead to quicker response times, making it a better choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feeling when pressing the keys, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. This variance in travel distance caters to differing preferences in key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 Silver Pro switches produce a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp noise that appeals to users who favor a more elevated auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. This high-pitched sound contrasts with those switches that yield a deeper, bassy tone. While the V3 Silver Pro excels in this regard, the sound profile of the TTC Yunhai remains unspecified; however, it is known for its deep, rounded sound profile, which may provide a richer auditory experience similar to more bass-heavy switches. Sound quality can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap materials, meaning that both switches could deliver satisfactory acoustic characteristics depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro leads with several qualities that offer an engaging typing experience. Users will enjoy the easy-to-press nature of these switches, which require minimal force for activation, greatly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged usage. Additionally, the creamy smoothness further enhances this experience, giving the sensation of gliding across the keys, while the silky finish minimizes resistance for effortless keystrokes. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the TTC Yunhai are not documented, so a direct comparison in terms of feel cannot be established. However, considering the light actuation force of both switches, you can expect a similarly comfortable, low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches cater to specific needs, with the V3 Silver Pro offering a high-pitched sound and a smooth, easy-to-press feel that is especially advantageous for gaming. While the sound profile of the Yunhai remains unspecified, its known characteristics suggest it may deliver a satisfying auditory experience for those who appreciate a rounder sound. Given that both switches feature light actuation forces, users can anticipate a comfortable typing experience with either option, making them great choices for gamers and typists alike. Ultimately, your preferences for sound and feel will guide your ideal switch selection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your primary use case. If you're a gamer focused on maximizing performance, you would likely prefer the V3 Silver Pro. Its light actuation force and reduced travel distance enable rapid responses, which can be crucial in competitive gaming scenarios. The crisp, high-pitched sound and smooth, feathery feel will enhance your gaming experience, allowing for quick keystrokes without much effort, ultimately minimizing finger fatigue during those marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're a typist who values a comfortable and soothing typing experience, the TTC Yunhai linear switch might be a better fit for you. With a slightly higher bottom-out force and a deeper sound profile, the Yunhai offers a gentle, rounded typing feel without sacrificing performance. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions, providing a satisfying experience that minimizes strain. In conclusion, consider your specific needs—whether it's lightning-fast gaming or a rich typing experience—before making your final choice between these two excellent switches.
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