TTC Flame Red vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both switches offer a unique typing experience. The Flame Red is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it perfect for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, giving users a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out, appealing to typists and gamers alike. While the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Flame Reds offer a neutral and polished feel. 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
54g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, the most noticeable difference lies in the top housing material. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The aesthetically pleasing translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect to the switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material of both switches is nylon, which creates a similar deep and full sound profile as the top housing material. With nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent sound profile throughout their typing experience, regardless of the difference in top housing material.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro differ in terms of their top housing material, both switches provide a deep and full sound profile due to their shared nylon bottom housing. The choice between the softer, more absorbent nylon top housing of the Flame Red and the crisper, clearer polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic considerations. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience with distinct characteristics influenced by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red is the lighter option while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier one. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a medium typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Flame Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Both switches will provide similar results in terms of performance, but the slight variations in force may cater to different preferences. It is essential to consider weight when choosing a switch, as it can significantly impact the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall under the category of relatively short travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for faster reactions during gameplay. However, some users may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Flame Red to provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces resonant clacks with a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that offers a more immersive auditory experience. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound aesthetics, considering factors like the keyboard, keycaps, and work environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, with a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, giving a spring-like rebound and a smooth, buttery key press. Both switches are polished for reduced friction and smooth key travel, ensuring a sleek typing experience. The decision between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel, whether it's the gentle smoothness of the Flame Red or the lively bounce of the Matcha Green Pro.
Overall, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Flame Reds provide a neutral sound and a mild, polished typing experience, while the Matcha Green Pro switches deliver resonant clacks with a bouncy, creamy feel. To achieve similar results, consider factors such as keycaps, typing style, and the overall keyboard setup to optimize the sound and feel of either switch based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a visually stunning experience with RGB lighting, a weighty smoothness, and a clacky sound profile, then the Flame Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a solid, responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, clear tactile feedback, and resonant clacks, then the Matcha Green Pro switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a mild and polished feel, the Flame Red may be more to your liking, whereas if you enjoy a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro offers a range of appealing qualities. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics and features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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