HMX Deep Navy vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Deep Navy switch stands out for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and innovative Ly stem design. This switch is perfect for those who favor subtlety in sound while still experiencing a fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is characterized by a more pronounced, resonant clack, delivering a bouncy and tactile feedback that many find satisfying. The solid feel and clear auditory response of the Matcha Green Pro make it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your 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
40g
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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches showcase a significant contrast, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is mainly attributable to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, tends to generate a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. This fundamental difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences, with the Deep Navy favoring a warmer sound while the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a brighter timbre.
The bottom housings of both switches offer an interesting parallel, as both the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing components. This similarity means that, despite the differences in top housing materials, the impact on sound and feel when bottoming out the key will result in a deeper and fuller auditory experience in both models. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a plush and muted keystroke experience, making both switches feel more consistent in that regard. Therefore, when typing on either switch, users will notice that the bottom-out sound and feel align closely due to this shared nylon composition, providing a cohesive tactile experience for users seeking comfort.
Ultimately, the divergence in top housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro highlights the importance of how different plastics can alter the sound profile of a switch. While the Deep Navy may envelop typists in a well-rounded auditory warmth, the V3 Matcha Green Pro tantalizes with its sharp clarity and resonance. However, the uniform use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that there remains a familiar depth to the typing experience, unifying the two models in that aspect. By blending different plastic properties, both switches cater to varying preferences, allowing users to choose between warmth and brightness while enjoying a consistent tactile foundation.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Its bottom out force is also lighter at 45 grams, making it easy on the fingers. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a sturdier and more tactile feel. This makes the Matcha Green Pro a better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Deep Navy is better suited for users seeking a lighter switch, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro caters to those who prefer a heavier touch. Ultimately, if you want to type for extended periods without fatigue, the lighter Deep Navy might be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy a firmer keystroke, the heavier Matcha Green Pro would be more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch for gaming, the Deep Navy may be preferable due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, with its 3.8 mm distance, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, making it a better choice for users who prefer a deeper travel experience. In summary, the HMX Deep Navy offers a shorter and potentially more responsive option, whereas the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a longer travel distance, appealing to those who value a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp auditory experience, thanks to its full nylon construction that contributes to a deeper resonance. Users can expect a smooth sound profile that enhances the immersive quality of typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch delivers a distinctively clacky and resonant sound. When pressed, these switches produce a crisp, bright, and percussive noise, characterized by a sharp bottom-out that many typists and gamers find satisfying. Both switches offer an engaging auditory experience, although the Deep Navy leans towards a more fluid sound while the Matcha Green entails a sharper tonal quality.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, attributed to the Ly stem that enables effortless and fluid motion with every press. This switch provides a seamless experience that users can rely on for extended typing sessions. In comparison, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is more dynamic, featuring a bouncy and creamy sensation. The switch's design offers a lively feedback with an elastic rebound upon pressing, and its polished finish enhances the slickness of keypresses. While the Deep Navy emphasizes a smooth and uninterrupted experience, the Matcha Green caters to those who appreciate more tactile feedback combined with smooth key travel.
Overall, the HMX Deep Navy and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics that will appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Deep Navy is ideal for users seeking a rich, immersive auditory experience with silky smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro will attract those who enjoy sharper sounds and a responsive, bouncy feel while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your personal taste in sound profiles and tactile feedback, but both have the potential to provide a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you prefer a lighter actuation force that allows for rapid keystrokes without much effort, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, thanks to its silky smooth keypress and immersive sound profile. Its nylon construction also contributes to a quiet yet satisfying experience, making it ideal for work environments where sound might be a concern. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro will likely suit you better. With its bouncy feedback and a bottom-out force that provides a more deliberate feel, these switches are well-suited for those who appreciate a solid keystroke and resonant auditory feedback. The Matcha Green Pro's distinctive clackiness enhances the typing experience, providing both satisfaction in every press and an engaging sound profile for typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch and smoother experience with the Deep Navy or a more substantial, tactile response from the Matcha Green Pro.
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