TTC Brother vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Brother stands out as a clicky switch with a lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both easy-to-press and satisfyingly crunchy. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a bouncy and polished keystroke. Both switches have their own appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic. This contrast in materials leads to a distinct typing experience for each keyboard, with the Brother emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the V3 Piano Pro focuses on a rounder and duller sound.
Both the Brother and the V3 Piano Pro share nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either keyboard. Despite having different top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both keyboards offer a consistent typing experience with its ability to absorb sound and create a more muffled tone. This commonality in the bottom housing materials of the two keyboards highlights how certain aspects of the typing experience can be standardized and maintained, regardless of other differences in the construction of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards such as the TTC Brother and the Akko V3 Piano Pro plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of typing on these devices. While the Brother's polycarbonate top housing focuses on clarity and resonance, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite differences in the top housing materials, both keyboards share nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials of these keyboards contribute significantly to the overall typing experience and can cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Brother switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Piano Pro's 45 grams. However, the Brother switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Piano Pro switch requires a slightly heavier touch to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out completely. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Brother switch may be more suitable. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel, the Piano Pro switch may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. This can provide a consistent typing experience across both switches, as the amount of distance traveled is the same. This aspect can be beneficial for users who prefer a specific travel distance in their switches, as both the Brother and V3 Piano Pro offer a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a clear and precise audible feedback that clicky switch enthusiasts will appreciate. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound profile, giving each keystroke a sharp and snappy quality with a higher-pitched resonance. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the crunchy sound of the Brother or the clacky and resonant sound of the V3 Piano Pro.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it offers a stepped tactile feedback, providing a distinct feel with stages during the keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering spring-like feedback with smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly. Users may prefer the easy-to-press and stepped feel of the Brother or opt for the bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel of the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Brother provides a crunchy sound with easy-to-press and stepped feel characteristics, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound with bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile experiences. Depending on whether one prefers a crisp and precise clicky switch or a lively and smooth linear switch, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and preference. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities that will enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring satisfaction for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be a fantastic choice for you. The audible and tactile feedback it provides creates a delightful typing experience that is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be the ideal option. Its snappy sound signature and smooth keystrokes offer a different yet equally enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Consider what aspects of typing are most important to you and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences.
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