HMX EVA vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX EVA and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stand out as compelling linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX EVA, inspired by the vibrant colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing feel and resonant sound signature, making it an attractive choice for users who prioritize a fluid, quiet experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial and tactile experience, characterized by its sharp bottom-out feedback and resonant clacks that satisfy both types and gamers looking for a responsive keystroke. While the EVA provides a serene typing journey, the Matcha Green Pro invites a more engaging auditory experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX EVA and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct contrasts in their choice of top housing materials, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, leveraging the material's soft, absorbent characteristics to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This choice helps create a typing experience that is warmer and rounder, ideal for users seeking muted acoustics. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Such a material is especially beneficial for those who appreciate crisp audio feedback and may be using RGB lighting, as the transparency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the EVA and the V3 Matcha Green Pro share a nylon bottom housing, which helps to bridge the gap in sound characteristics. With this shared material, both switches generate a similar deep and full sound profile from the bottom housing, as nylon’s softer qualities help cushion the bottom-out experience. Consequently, the user will notice that while the top housing affects the sound upon key release, both switches provide a coherent auditory experience during keystrokes, thanks to their common bottom material. This combination helps create a balanced sound experience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both materials.
The combination of these materials affects the overall typing experience in nuanced ways. Users of the EVA will find the deeper tones from the nylon top providing a subdued ambiance, while V3 Matcha Green Pro users will revel in the clearer and punchier sounds promoted by its polycarbonate top. However, the nylon bottom's consistency across both models ensures that key feel and bottom-out characteristics remain familiar. Ultimately, while the external sound profiles differ due to their respective housing choices, both switches achieve a unique harmony by leveraging materials that play to each housing's strengths, influencing how users perceive sound and feel during their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The EVA switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance typing comfort during extended sessions. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a substantial typing experience. This difference in weight is significant; the EVA switch allows for easier key presses, while the Matcha Green Pro requires a stronger push, catering to varying preferences based on typing style and usage scenarios. Ultimately, if users are seeking a softer typing experience, the EVA is the preferable choice, while those who want more resistance might lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The HMX EVA features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which falls on the shorter side, making it a desirable choice for gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, offering a slightly longer throw that may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke experience. This difference in travel distance indicates that the EVA is the shorter option, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more robust feel. Thus, individuals aiming for quicker response times may gravitate towards the EVA, while those who prefer a deeper keypress may favor the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 EVA linear switch has a resonant sound signature, which may offer a more immersive auditory experience. Though specific descriptors for its sound quality were not provided, the mention of resonance suggests a vibrant and noticeable sound while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is characterized by its clacky and resonant qualities, producing sharp and bright sounds that can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a distinctly percussive noise with each keystroke. Both switches have a potential for resonance in their audio profiles, but the EVA's sound may lean more towards a smoother delivery while the Matcha Green Pro delivers a crisper, snappier sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EVA is renowned for providing a silky smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness enhances the typing experience by minimizing resistance and creating a seamless flow during long typing sessions. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, however, delivers a different sensation. It has attributes of bounciness, creaminess, and polish, providing a lively and responsive feel while typing. The sharp bottom-out perception means users will be rewarded with clear feedback that can cater to both typists and gamers, while the overall experience remains smooth and easy to type on.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The EVA is ideal for those who appreciate a smoother, more refined sound and feel, focusing on seamless keystrokes, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a lively, auditory feedback with a sharper bottom-out that may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, with the EVA leaning towards smoothness and resonance and the Matcha Green Pro embodying responsiveness and clarity in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter actuation and a smooth, silky typing feel with an iconic aesthetic, the HMX EVA switch is your ideal choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it excellent for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, where quick, effortless keystrokes can enhance your performance. Furthermore, if you appreciate a less intrusive sound profile, the EVA switch offers a resonant sound that complements its smooth feel, perfect for quieter environments. However, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke and enjoy tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro with its 63-gram bottom-out force could be more suitable for you. Its bouncy, creamy, and polished feel, combined with a clacky and resonant sound, creates a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, making it excellent for both typing and gaming where feedback and sound play a significant role. Ultimately, your decision should align with what you find most comfortable and enjoyable in your typing or gaming experience.
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