Kailh Berry vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry 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 Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is recognized for its linear design, providing a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture. Its sound profile is deep and low-pitched, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch also boasts a linear design but offers a smooth and substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out for clear tactile feedback. It produces resonant clacks that add to the overall satisfaction of typing or gaming. While the Berry switch is ideal for those who enjoy a textured and bassy typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch appeals to individuals who prefer a bouncy and clacky feel with a polished and creamy touch. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. With both switches sharing this material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits when it comes to RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Berry and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material helps to create a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. By incorporating nylon bottom housings, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that emphasizes the depth and richness of the sound produced while typing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. With the Kailh Berry featuring a combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro following the same pattern, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of each housing material to create a balanced sound profile with tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether you choose the Berry or the V3 Matcha Green Pro, you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it medium. The actuation force of the Berry is None grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of actuation force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is lighter compared to the Berry. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Berry is heavier than the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Kailh Berry linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on typing style and desired keyboard feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see that the Berry has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quick and snappy key presses, the Berry would be the better option. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing, the V3 Matcha Green Pro with its slightly longer travel distance would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their proximity in travel distance, so you can expect comparable results from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, with sharp, snappy key presses and a clean, sharp sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences that cater to different preferences, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a bass-heavy tone or a crisp, bright sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. The Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a smooth and buttery feel with spring-like feedback and reduced friction, while the Berry switch offers a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. Your preference for a tactile feedback sensation will guide your decision between these two switches.
Considering the information provided, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a low-pitched, bassy sound with a textured feel or a clacky, resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, both switches have their unique characteristics. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a textured feel, the Kailh Berry switch would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, bouncier typing experience with a variety of feedback sensations, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a springy, textured feel with low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and bouncier typing experience with sharp bottom-out feedback, resonant and clacky sound profile, and creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch might be more suitable for your preference. Remember to think about what type of typing experience you enjoy the most before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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