Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Cream Black Pro is favored for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro is praised for its solid and responsive feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Cream Black Pro is known for its high-pitched and bouncy feel, the Matcha Green Pro offers a clacky and silky sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro are quite similar, as both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro have polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch. With the qualities of the housing materials split between the top and bottom housings, users can expect a unique tactile experience depending on which switch they choose to use.
In terms of sound and feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide slightly different experiences due to their housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's all-polycarbonate construction offers a more consistent and resonant profile. Ultimately, both keyboards showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to different preferences and tastes among users.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch with a bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams. This means that while the actuation force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, the Cream Black Pro switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Matcha Green Pro switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Cream Black Pro switch for a more tactile feel. In general, the Cream Black Pro switch is slightly heavier overall, making it better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Matcha Green Pro switch is a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro would provide a slightly faster response time compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize quick movements and responsiveness may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a bit more depth and may feel more substantial when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharper and more percussive auditory experience. While the Cream Black Pro delivers a poppy sound, the Matcha Green Pro offers a resonant clack, catering to different preferences in sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Matcha Green Pro linear switches share similar qualities. They both offer a creamy and bouncy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation when pressing the keys. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. The similarities in feel between these two switches suggest that users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience regardless of their choice.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Matcha Green Pro linear switches each have their unique strengths in sound and feel. The Cream Black Pro excels in producing high-pitched sounds and delivering a silky typing experience, while the Matcha Green Pro stands out with its clacky and resonant sound profile and bouncy typing feel. Depending on individual preferences in sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing or gaming setup with a high-quality and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you desire a medium-heavy bottom out force with a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, along with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, combined with a clacky and resonant sound profile, then the Matcha Green Pro switch might better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound output.
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