Huano Elf vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both stand out as appealing linear options, but they cater to different preferences and experiences. The Huano Elf is particularly lauded for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, complemented by a medium-light feel that many find satisfying for typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro focuses on delivering a smooth and substantial tactile experience, characterized by a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks that not only engage typists but also cater to gamers seeking responsive keystrokes. While the Elf switch emphasizes a more subdued and mellow acoustics with its medium-light actuation, the Matcha Green Pro appeals to those who crave a bouncier and more pronounced feedback in their typing experience. Both switches have their merits, making them appealing choices depending on personal preference. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Elf and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provide notable distinctions that influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Elf features a POK top housing, known for its durability and smoothness, offering a clacky sound with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of LY. This quality contributes to an appealing tactile feedback during typing, making it feel robust and responsive. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends itself to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer construction enhances resonance, resulting in a clearer auditory cue when keys are released. While both materials aim for a high-quality user experience, they cater to different acoustic preferences, with the POK leaning towards a more muted clack compared to the polycarbonate's brighter tones.
Interestingly, when we turn our attention to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic choice that facilitates a deeper and more fulfilling sound profile due to its softer nature. This commonality ensures that when users engage with either switch, they experience a rich, rounded sound upon bottoming out. The nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively contrasts with the more resonant top housings, providing a balanced auditory experience. Overall, this consistency in bottom housing material aligns the switches on a certain level, allowing for a similar tactile feedback as the user presses down on either switch despite the differences in top housing characteristics.
In summary, while the Huano Elf and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro demonstrate contrasting top housing materials that influence their distinct sound profiles – the Elf with its durable, smoother POK and the V3 Matcha’s sharper polycarbonate – they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This shared material creates a deeper auditory experience that serves as a foundation for both switches, ensuring that regardless of the top housing's unique attributes, users can expect a similar sound quality at the bottom-out phase. Thus, while preferences may vary between users, both switches can deliver satisfying results with their complementary designs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation force stands out. The Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists favor for a more tactile experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Elf is unknown, the Matcha Green Pro has a defined bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down. This means that while the Elf might offer a more comfortable typing experience for extended use, the Matcha Green Pro caters to those seeking a heavier, more robust feedback. Therefore, the Huano Elf is the lighter option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier choice in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Elf switch, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their gameplay. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback and depth. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a more responsive experience, the Huano Elf is the better option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may suit those who prefer a more traditional keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf switch features a deep sound signature that contributes to a rich auditory experience. This characteristic is enhanced by its POK top housing, designed specifically for improved acoustics. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their clacky and resonant audio profile. The sound they produce is sharp and snappy, offering a bright, crisp auditory feedback that can be quite immersive. This variance indicates that while both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the Elf leans towards a more subdued depth, whereas the Matcha Green Pro provides an engaging, lively sound.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf is often described as embodying a medium-light tactile experience, prioritizing an enjoyable typing experience that remains satisfying throughout extended use. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are recognized for their smooth, bouncy, and creamy feel. They offer a substantial tactile feedback with a sharp bottom-out that typists and gamers find rewarding. The polished and silky sensations further enhance the fluidity in motion, allowing for effortless key presses. As a result, those looking for a lively and responsive typing experience may prefer the Matcha Green Pro, while the Elf presents a balanced option for users who seek comfort without an overly pronounced action.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Elf provides a deep, rich sound with a medium-light touch, making it suitable for those who favor a softer, yet satisfying keypress. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro excels with its clacky, engaging sound and smooth, polished feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes a more muted yet rich sound or a vibrant auditory and tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a lighter and more subdued typing experience, where acoustics play a key role in your enjoyment, the Huano Elf might be your ideal choice. Its design promotes a medium-light feel with a unique deep sound signature, making it suitable for users who appreciate softer feedback and an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and tactile interaction, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is likely to be more up your alley. With a snug bottom-out force of 63 grams and a prominent clack that brings a satisfying auditory feedback, this switch caters to both gamers and typists who enjoy bouncier, creamy, and polished keystrokes that enhance responsiveness. In essence, opt for the Elf for a plush, quieter experience, while choosing the Matcha Green Pro will give you a more dynamic and lively performance that invigorates your typing sessions.
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