Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both linear switches. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, resulting in minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness. Categorized as snappy, creamy, polished, this switch provides a stable typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a solid and substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers. Categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, silky, this switch delivers resonant clacks for a satisfying typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
POM
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this housing material, the design and color options may vary between the two, offering different aesthetic choices for users.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the CAP Anniversary and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience with the combination of polycarbonate top housing for clear and resonant sound, and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound profile.
When comparing the overall feel and sound of the switches, the impact of the different housing materials becomes apparent. The qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt more when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. While both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer similar qualities in terms of housing materials, the differences in sound profiles and typing experiences may appeal to different preferences among users.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary is heavier at 65 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium category in terms of overall force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be more suitable due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the CAP Anniversary for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The CAP Anniversary offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem substantial, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Gateron CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is known for providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound profile, giving a sharper and more distinctive typing sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the quieter and smoother sound of the CAP Anniversary or the sharper and more pronounced sound of the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a creamy and polished typing experience, providing smooth and refined key travel. The CAP Anniversary switch is also described as snappy, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is noted for its bouncy and silky feel. Users can expect a responsive and lively typing experience with a hint of smoothness when using either of these switches. Whether you prefer a snappier or more bouncy feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that will cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches both excel in providing a smooth and polished typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary switch offers a quieter sound profile and a snappier feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with both options offering high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a medium bottom out force and a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, as well as a clacky and resonant sound profile, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what feels and sounds best to you.
Mentioned in this article
