Outemu Crystal vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Crystal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that can influence your choice based on your typing preferences. The Crystal switches provide a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a more elastic feel while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, perfect for individuals who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. While both switches share this housing material, the overall sound and feel may differ based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
In contrast, the Outemu Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Outemu Crystal. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound signature of each switch.
While both switches may have different bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials on the typing experience is significant. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Outemu Crystal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may share a polycarbonate top housing, the choice of bottom housing material can lead to distinct differences in sound and feel between the two switches.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55-gram actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams while the V3 Matcha Green Pro needs 63 grams. This means that the Crystal provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall under the medium-light to medium category, offering a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the 3.8 mm of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Crystal offers a slightly deeper key press experience. Gamers may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, giving a unique acoustic signature to typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, providing a crisp and sharp auditory experience. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Crystal offering a chirpy tone and the V3 Matcha Green Pro producing resonant clacks for a satisfying typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Crystal delivering a polished typing feel and the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a bouncy and creamy sensation for an enjoyable keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch each offer their own subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a chirpy and polished sound profile, along with a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, coupled with a bouncy and creamy feel for a satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired, but both switches promise a high-quality performance for typists and gamers alike.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium-light keystroke with a unique, linear typing experience and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the Matcha Green Pro could be more suitable. Additionally, if you appreciate a polished and smooth typing experience, the Crystal might be a better fit, whereas if you prefer a bouncy, creamy, or silky feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be more to your liking. Consider factors like bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to a variety of typing preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with you.
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