TTC Honey vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both linear switches. The Honey is celebrated for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers with effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. While the Honey is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', the V3 Silver Pro is characterized by being 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'High-pitched'. Ultimately, the Honey may be ideal for those seeking a polished typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro would be a great choice for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound output, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall sound and tactile feedback of a switch.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in shaping the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the differences in housing materials used in switches like the TTC Honey and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, enthusiasts can better appreciate how each component contributes to the overall feel and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches require a gentle touch to activate, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Honey switch requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the V3 Silver Pro. This difference may be noticeable to individuals who bottom out frequently while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, but for those who prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the V3 Silver Pro may be the better option.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Honey. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the user experience depending on personal preferences. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might lean towards the Akko V3 Silver Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the TTC Honey. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular in recent years, catering to the demand for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is often described as having a subdued sound profile, offering a more dampened and subtle auditory experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. If you enjoy a more rich and bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro may be the preferred choice, while the Honey switch offers a quieter and more understated typing experience. Remember, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is often associated with a creamy and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless sensation when typing. This is due to the lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used, resulting in a silky feel that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is designed to be easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance and a light actuation force for a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Both switches are described as creamy and polished, indicating a smooth and refined key press that minimizes friction and enhances overall typing comfort.
Overall, while the TTC Honey and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches both offer a creamy and polished typing experience, they differ in sound profiles. The Honey switch provides a subdued and gentle sound, perfect for quieter environments, while the V3 Silver Pro switch boasts a high-pitched and sharp noise that may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both can deliver similar levels of smoothness and comfort in typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a slightly higher bottom out force and a creamy, smooth typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a switch specifically designed for gaming with an easy-to-press feel and pleasing bassy sound, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would likely be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style, preferences, and intended use of the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
