HC Studio Crabapple vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, boasts a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke, accompanied by a mild and understated sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, resulting in resonant clacks during use. Both switches have their distinct qualities - the Crabapple being categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured', and the V3 Matcha Green Pro as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', '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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Crabapple's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing also contributes to its pleasing sound profile, whereas the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of housing materials significantly impacts the overall sound experience of each switch.
While the Crabapple and the V3 Matcha Green Pro both aim to provide a pleasing sound profile, their choice of housing materials sets them apart. The use of POM in the Crabapple creates a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the Crabapple's POM bottom housing. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro contribute to their distinct sound profiles, they both offer a unique typing experience. The Crabapple's POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate and nylon housings produce a sharper and fuller sound. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and the V3 Matcha Green Pro will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is lighter in both aspects. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Crabapple more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro for a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Crabapple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a shorter travel distance compared to the Matcha Green Pro. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Crabapple with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound, delivering sharp, crisp clacks that create an immersive auditory experience. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Crabapple switch would be the better choice, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying sound while typing.
In terms of the feel, the Crabapple linear switch provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a spring-like rebound when pressed. If you prefer a more effortless and smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would be the ideal choice, while the Crabapple switch is suitable for those who appreciate a gentle and frictionless keypress.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Crabapple switch emphasizes a quieter and more frictionless feel with a subtle sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch focuses on a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clacky resonance during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with the Crabapple delivering a more subdued typing experience and the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a more pronounced and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the factors that best align with your preferences. If you value a light bottom out force and a frictionless, dry smooth typing experience with a mild and understated sound profile, the Crabapple switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a solid, responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out feedback and clacky, resonant sound profile, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities that cater to your typing style and preferences.
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