Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, making it ideal for those looking for a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is also a linear switch, but it offers a substantial and satisfying keystroke with a sharp bottom-out for clear tactile feedback. While the G Pro Red provides bright RGB lighting effects and a medium-high pitch sound, the Matcha Green Pro offers resonant clacks for an enhanced typing and gaming experience. 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
50g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, despite having the same material for the top housing, the overall typing experience may differ based on other factors such as keycaps or stem material.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This material choice gives both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the V3 Matcha Green Pro a unique typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a switch with a deeper tone. The mix of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches creates a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, providing users with a well-rounded typing experience.
While both switches share similar housing materials for the top and bottom, the impact of each material may differ when typing on the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent when bottoming out keys, influencing the overall feel and sound during typing. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater effect on the sound produced when releasing keys. Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may still offer distinct typing experiences based on the nuances of their design and construction.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Red makes it easier to type for extended periods, suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 3.8 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a slightly deeper press when typing or gaming. Gamers who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Red, while those looking for a slightly faster response time may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and performance when using either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various applications and preferences. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience. Users can expect clear and satisfying clacks with the Matcha Green Pro switch, enhancing the overall typing feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch shares the creamy and polished descriptors, providing a buttery and silky typing sensation with lively rebound thanks to its bouncy characteristic. Both switches prioritize a refined and comfortable typing feel, catering to users who value smooth keypresses and tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches present unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral sound profile and creamy, mild feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and keypress feedback, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences that can elevate your overall typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience. This switch is versatile and suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and tactile feel with a medium bottom out force, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice. The Matcha Green Pro switches provide a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, perfect for those who appreciate a responsive keystroke and crisp sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.