KTT Darling vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that ensures each keystroke feels satisfying. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a smooth and substantial feel, with a sharp bottom-out that delivers clear and tactile feedback. While the Darling offers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, the Matcha Green Pro switches produce resonant clacks, making for an engaging blend of auditory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced bounciness and clacky sound (Darling) or a smooth, creamy feel with a polished finish (Matcha Green Pro). 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually pleasing effect. With both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits in terms of lighting.
However, the bottom housing of the switches differs, with the Darling utilizing nylon and the V3 Matcha Green Pro also using nylon for this component. Nylon is praised for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Despite both switches employing nylon for their bottom housing, users may experience slight variations in sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The characteristics of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both the Darling and the V3 Matcha Green Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in the bottom housing material may lead to slight variations in sound and typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the impact on the overall typing experience may vary. Users can expect a more resonant and clear sound when using switches with polycarbonate top housing, but the bottom housing material may influence the overall feel and sound profile of the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch are both significant factors to consider when choosing a switch for your keyboard. The Darling switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. In comparison, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use may lean towards the Darling switch, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing options for users with different preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.3 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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, both the KTT Darling and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches are described as clacky and resonant. This means that users of either switch can expect a sharp and snappy sound when typing, creating an engaging auditory experience. While the Darling is noted for its high-pitched sound profile, the Matcha Green Pro offers a clean and sharp resonant sound. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing sound that will appeal to those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation with lively feedback upon each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy feel as well, but adds descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky to its typing experience. This indicates a smoother and more refined feel compared to the Darling, with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Users who prefer a buttery smooth typing experience may find the Matcha Green Pro to be more appealing in terms of feel.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer similar clacky and resonant sound profiles, they differ in feel. The Darling provides a bouncy and substantial typing sensation, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a smoother, more polished typing experience with added descriptors like creamy and silky. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with both options providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, along with resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro might be more suitable. If you enjoy a bouncy feel, both switches offer this sensation, but the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro also provides options for creamy, polished, and silky typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your specific preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
