Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, they offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Pro switches stand out for their fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Crystal Pro switches are categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the Matcha Green Pro switches are known for being 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their typing preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, we can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light transmission. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Crystal Pro uses polycarbonate, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro uses nylon. The nylon bottom housing in the Matcha Green Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Crystal Pro.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the two keyboards results in a noticeable variation in sound and feel when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro. This means that typing on the Matcha Green Pro may feel softer and more muted, while typing on the Crystal Pro may feel sharper and crisper. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch will be more pronounced due to the differences in material properties.
Overall, while the top housing material of both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the same (polycarbonate), the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing creates a consistent sharp and clear sound profile in both keyboards, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a deeper, fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users may prefer one over the other based on the bottom housing material used.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a similar medium bottom out force, with the Crystal Pro requiring 60 grams and the Matcha Green Pro needing 63 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Crystal Pro may appeal to those who prefer a smoother and easier typing experience, while the heavier actuation force of the Matcha Green Pro may provide a more tactile and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, it can be said that they both offer a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation. This means that whether you choose the V3 Crystal Pro or the V3 Matcha Green Pro, you can enjoy a smooth and responsive typing experience with the same distance traveled by the switch when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 Crystal Pro linear switch has a chirpy sound profile, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound experience. The chirpy sound of the Crystal Pro switch provides a unique acoustic signature, while the sharp and snappy clacks of the Matcha Green Pro switch offer a more percussive and immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Matcha Green Pro linear switches are described as bouncy and polished. The bouncy sensation of these switches gives a spring-like feedback, providing a lively feel with rebound when typing. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches delivers a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The Matcha Green Pro switch also adds a creamy and silky sensation to the typing experience, further enhancing the smoothness and ease of each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch stands out for its bright and chirpy sound profile and silky smooth typing experience, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound with a smooth and substantial feel. Both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback and are well-suited for typists and gamers looking for a distinct sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you choose the Crystal Pro or Matcha Green Pro, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique characteristics tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Crystal Pro switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a sharp bottom-out with clear and tactile feedback, along with resonant clacks, the Matcha Green Pro switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either choice as both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
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