Machine Comparison: AK-I, AK-II, DUO, AK5, AK-III

October 03, 2026

Here's a side-by-side look at the TTW machine lineup to help you find the right fit.

See the Machines in Action

Want to see the machines at work? Watch them tuft in this video.

Which Machine Is Right for You?

• Complete beginner: DUO — gives you flexibility to explore pile styles without committing early
• You know you want cut pile only: AK-I — ultra simple, low maintenance
• You want a specific low pile size: AK5 tufts at a fixed 16mm — great for consistent results
• You want shaggy, sculptural, high-pile work: AK-III — powerful but has a steeper learning curve

Closest Match to the AK-I

Looking for a backup or replacement that feels like the AK-I? The low-pile DUO is very similar to the AK-I, and it also gives you loop pile.

Medium and High Pile DUO Factory Settings

Our medium pile DUO (20–30mm range) ships set to 30mm and our high pile DUO (35–45mm range) ships set to 40mm from the factory, so each is ready to tuft at that height out of the box.

DUO Pile Range

The DUO comes in three versions: low pile (8–16mm), medium pile (20–30mm) and high pile (35–45mm). The low pile DUO can tuft both cut and loop pile from 8mm to 16mm, giving it a wider range than the AK-5. Every TTW machine comes with lifetime support, and we offer reasonable repair prices if your machine ever needs to be sent in.

AK5 vs. DUO: Which Low-Pile Machine Should I Choose?

The AK5 and the low-pile DUO are our two most-asked-about low-pile machines. Here's how they differ:

• AK5: Lightweight, ultra quiet, and tufts beautifully. It's newer, and we use it a lot in our own production. The main trade-off is that it tufts at only one pile height (16mm), in either cut or loop.
• DUO (low pile): Our tried-and-true model. It tufts both cut and loop and lets you adjust pile height. It's a bit heavier and louder than the AK5, but it's the machine we've used in our workshops for years, so it handles a lot of wear.

Rule of thumb: If you want a quiet, light machine and you're happy with a single 16mm pile, choose the AK5. If you want to vary your pile heights, choose the DUO.

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