TTC Flame Red vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both linear switches. The Flame Red is renowned for its stunning light diffuser, making it perfect for those who desire a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switches are specially designed for gamers, with each keystroke gliding effortlessly and producing a pleasing bassy sound. These switches feature a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, ideal for scenarios where speed is of the essence. 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
54g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches.
However, a key point of contrast between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. While the Flame Red features a nylon top housing, the Silver Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Flame Red. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience that is not present with the Flame Red.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetic appeal. The Flame Red offers a softer, more absorbent sound profile with its nylon housing, while the Silver Pro provides a clearer and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent level of sound and feel in that aspect. Ultimately, users can choose based on whether they prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that they both offer a relatively light actuation force, with the V3 Silver Pro being slightly lighter at 40 grams compared to the Flame Red's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Flame Red, while those who enjoy a lighter keystroke may prefer the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, with the variation in force catering to different preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for users looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key press feel. Both switches, however, offer a similar linear typing experience with their smooth key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Flame Red providing a more moderate sound experience and the V3 Silver Pro offering a more high-pitched tone.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery and polished qualities of these switches make them comfortable for gaming or work scenarios.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, creamy feel. Both switches have their strengths, with the Flame Red being more versatile and the V3 Silver Pro catering specifically to gamers with its light actuation force and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences and specific use cases.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a visually stunning experience with its light diffuser and is ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. The weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile make typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch engineered for quick keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is the better choice. The light actuation force and shortened travel distance are ideal for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences, whether it be for aesthetics, typing feel, or gaming performance.
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