Gateron CM vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CM switches stand out for their full nylon housing, providing a richer and deeper sound signature compared to traditional polycarbonate housings. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer a smooth typing experience and a bouncy feel thanks to their lengthened, dual-staged spring. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches boast a smooth and solid keystroke feel, paired with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out for clear and tactile feedback. For those who enjoy a resonant clack sound, the Matcha Green Pro switches deliver on that front. 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
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes both switches suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In contrast, the Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the V3 Matcha Green Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper sound produced by the nylon top housing of the CM. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, making the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro a visually appealing option for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
While the nylon bottom housing is the same for both switches, the difference in top housing material affects the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The nylon top housing of the Gateron CM contributes to a softer and more absorbent sound when pressing down on the keys, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro produces a crisper and more resonant sound when releasing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound profile and aesthetic design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron CM has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's bottom out force of 63 grams. This slight difference means that the Gateron CM provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressing down the keys. The Gateron CM can be considered as the heavier option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro falls on the lighter side. Both switches offer a medium force profile, making them suitable for users who prefer a balanced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of each switch when pressed. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize quick and responsive keypresses, the Gateron CM linear switch with its slightly shorter travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses, creating a satisfyingly low-pitched sound experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, providing sharp and snappy feedback with a higher-pitched resonance. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, with the CM focusing on a bass-heavy sound while the Matcha Green Pro offers a crisp and bright clack.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, emphasizing a smooth, refined, and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and fluid key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is characterized by a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky touch, offering a spring-like rebound feel along with a silky smooth typing experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel, with the CM focusing more on a fluid and frictionless experience while the Matcha Green Pro provides a bouncy and elastic feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch presents a bassy and thocky sound profile with a buttery, polished feel, while the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but both options promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile with a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, the Gateron CM switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and snappy sound accompanied by a bouncy and spring-like typing sensation, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch could be more suitable for your typing style. Consider the type of typing experience you value most and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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