Bsun Akashi vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique features for users to consider. The Akashi linear switches stand out for their UPE stem and distinctive housing combo, which result in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, creating a resonant experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches provide a smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, offering clear and tactile feedback for typists and gamers. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Frictionless' and 'Snappy', the V3 Matcha Green Pro is described as 'Bouncy' and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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 extended spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing stands out for its clear appearance, while the POM top housing offers a more subtle and understated look.
Both the Akashi and the V3 Matcha Green Pro feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes typing on switches with nylon bottom housings a comfortable and satisfying experience. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the differences in the top housings of these two keyboards contribute to variations in sound and feel when typing on them.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro impacts the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the tactile feedback and acoustics of a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, users can choose between the deeper and muted sound of the Akashi or the sharper and crisper sound of the V3 Matcha Green Pro based on their preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is the lighter option. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier choice, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. For those who enjoy a stronger push feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the preferred option. However, if one prefers a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Akashi would be the better choice. In terms of actuation force, the Akashi is lighter compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro, which has a medium actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the travel distance spectrum, with the Akko V3 being just a hair longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Bsun Akashi due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the extra 0.1 mm of travel in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between these two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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, both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as clacky, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The Akashi offers a unique sound due to its UPE stem and hybrid housing, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer resonant clacks, creating a clean and sharp sound profile. While both switches fall under the clacky category, the Akashi may offer a slightly different sound experience due to its design elements.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi is described as offering creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities. These features result in a smooth, buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, enhancing the overall feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth and refined key travel experience with a lively feedback and reduced friction. While both switches boast creamy and polished attributes, the Akashi may provide a more varied feel with its additional qualities like snappy and easy-to-press.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback experiences. While the Akashi emphasizes a unique sound contrast with its design elements, the V3 Matcha Green Pro focuses on providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with resonant clacks. In terms of feel, the Akashi offers a combination of qualities like creamy, snappy, and easy-to-press, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a bouncy and silky typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, newcomers can expect a novel and gratifying experience from either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a unique, resonant typing experience with a mix of bright and deep sound contrasts, the Bsun Akashi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a more solid and satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with clear tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro might be the better fit. Both switches offer their own distinct sound and feel characteristics, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you value most before making your decision. Ultimately, your choice should align with what will enhance your overall typing enjoyment and productivity.
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