HMX Game1989 vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro each offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing or gaming experience. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more muted typing experience with emphasis on the acoustics and a satisfying bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its smooth and tactile performance, delivering a bouncy and clacky sensation that typists and gamers find engaging and responsive. While the HMX 1989 might appeal more to users who prefer a softer impact and sound, the Matcha Green Pro attracts those who appreciate a livelier feel and distinct auditory feedback. Ultimately, both options cater to different preferences and styles, making them worthy contenders in the realm of linear switches. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a highly similar acoustic profile. This common material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, making it an excellent option for producing clear and resonant tones. Both keyboards also benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, as it enhances RGB lighting effects and showcases the vibrant colors that many users appreciate in mechanical keyboards. This feature plays a crucial role for users who prioritize visual appeal alongside auditory feedback, ensuring that both models deliver a comparable sound experience during use.
In contrast to their identical top housing, the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both employ nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, which dampens the noise created by the keystroke action. The properties of nylon provide a rounder, more muted acoustic response compared to the crisper tones from the polycarbonate top housings. This layering of materials means that the overall sound profile differs upon bottoming out—where the nylon bottom housing's dampening effect is most pronounced. Users of either keyboard can expect a satisfying contrast between the lighter sounds generated by the polycarbonate tops and the softer undertones produced by the nylon bottoms, creating a balanced auditory experience.
Ultimately, while both the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro share similarities in their top housing material, their combinations of polycarbonate and nylon create distinct sound profiles that complement each other. By leveraging the acoustic properties of polycarbonate for clarity and the sound-dampening qualities of nylon for a full-bodied response, both switches enable users to enjoy a comprehensive typing experience. Whether one is typing on the 1989 or the V3 Matcha Green Pro, users can expect a harmonious blend of sounds generated by the unique interaction of these materials, ensuring that both keyboards appeal to those who value a rich and nuanced sound during their typing activities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro exhibits a firmer experience with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel. Consequently, the HMX 1989 is better for users seeking ease and speed in their keystrokes, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying resistance when typing. Overall, these differences cater to diverse preferences in typing experience, with the HMX 1989 being the lighter option and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the HMX 1989 has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro measures 3.8 mm. This distinction of 0.2 mm may seem subtle but can have significant implications for the typing experience. The HMX 1989, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, offering a deeper feel that some find satisfying. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, with its shorter 3.8 mm distance, caters to those who prefer a quicker response and a more immediate actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who thrive on speed. In summary, the HMX 1989 provides a longer and deeper travel distance, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly shorter, offering a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is best known for its deep and thocky acoustics, providing a satisfying low-frequency sound that many enthusiasts appreciate for its richness. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is characterized by its clacky and resonant auditory profile. The Matcha Greens deliver a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright quality that adds an engaging aspect to each keystroke. The resonance contributes to a higher-pitched, immersive experience that contrasts with the depth of the 1989. While the 1989 offers a more subdued acoustic environment, the Matcha Green presents a lively and exciting auditory feedback when typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 is designed to provide a unique typing experience that remains unmatched in this context. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a combination of bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations. This ensures a lively and responsive feedback, allowing a smooth, buttery typing experience that feels effortless. The supple rebound upon pressing the keys provides a greater sense of control and comfort, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. While the specific feel of the 1989 is not described, the Matcha Green's array of characteristics suggests a versatility that is appealing to a broad range of users.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 linear switch excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound that creates a unique typing experience, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch stands out with its clacky and resonant sound, alongside its impressive tactile feedback. Those looking for a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Matcha, which offers a lively and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches will cater well to enthusiasts, but each brings its distinct character to the typing experience, allowing keyboard users to find what best suits their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switches and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch that requires less force to bottom out and offers a deeper, thocky sound, then the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation at 53 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, especially if you enjoy an overall quieter and more cushioned typing experience. On the other hand, if you're someone who likes a more tactile and engaging feedback, along with a crisper and resonant auditory experience, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is likely the better option for you. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 63 grams, this switch provides a substantial feel and delivers a rewarding "clack" sound that can enhance both gaming and typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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