HMX Blue Topaz vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both offer unique features that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Blue Topaz excels in its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with every keystroke while its distinctive glitter housing adds a visual and auditory delight with its clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike. Both switches have a clacky sound profile, but the Matcha Green Pro offers a wider variety of features such as being bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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 Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Both switches will likely produce similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
While the Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing for similar effects. The absorption properties of nylon help to create a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite the different top and bottom housing materials used in each switch, the nylon components in both switches contribute to a more satisfying sound profile during use.
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, it is evident that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of different housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blue Topaz is also lighter at 48 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz switch will provide a lighter and easier typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch will offer a more substantial and firmer typing feel. Both switches have their benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Blue Topaz being better suited for longer typing sessions and the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a heavier push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their fast response times, especially among gamers. The Blue Topaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Topaz for a more sturdy feel, while others may opt for the slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for quicker response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience with either switch. Additionally, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is noted for its "resonant" sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive typing experience. While the sound of a switch depends on various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches provide pleasing sound profiles that would be favored by many users.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Topaz is described as "Easy-to-press," offering a smooth actuation and lightweight feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a "bouncy," "creamy," "polished," and "silky" typing experience. These descriptors indicate a switch that provides spring-like feedback, a smooth and buttery typing sensation, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth key travel, respectively. Users who prefer a solid, responsive keystroke with tactile feedback will appreciate the substantial feel of the Matcha Green Pro switches, while those who favor lightweight and effortless typing will enjoy the smooth actuation of the Blue Topaz.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz provides an easy-to-press and visually striking experience with its glittery housing, the Matcha Green Pro delivers a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and a variety of feel descriptors like bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. Depending on your typing style and preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results in terms of a clacky sound profile with either switch. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand may help you determine which one aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a lightweight feel and smooth actuation, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press keys make typing a breeze and visually appealing with its glittery housing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a solid, responsive feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is a fantastic option. With its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, along with resonant and clacky sound, the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a satisfying typing experience that many users will appreciate. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lightweight and smooth typing experience with the Blue Topaz or a medium weight and substantial feel with the Matcha Green Pro.
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