Gateron Glory Red vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch tailored to your typing style, the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro each present unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lighter touch, offering a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a more gentle approach with fewer finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches deliver a more substantial feel, characterized by a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks that typists and gamers alike find gratifying. This switch appeals especially to users seeking tactile and audible feedback, adding an extra layer of engagement to their typing sessions. While both switches share the linear classification, their distinctive characteristics lead to different typing sensations, catering to varying typing preferences. 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
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
POK
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a notable divergence occurs in their top housing. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer plastic properties. This material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound waves and resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate aesthetic as well as auditory qualities.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both the Gateron Glory Red and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizing nylon material. This means that when typing on either switch, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel will be similar. The nylon's softer characteristics contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile from the bottom-out impact, creating a nice balance for users who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback when pressing keys. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the deepest sound resonance remains consistent, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience across both models.
In summary, the primary distinction lies in the top housing materials, where Gateron’s nylon promotes a rich, deeper sound, while Akko’s polycarbonate leans toward sharper, crisper acoustics. This contributes to unique typing experiences that cater to diverse user preferences. Yet, with both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, enthusiasts can expect a similar sound character at the bottom-out phase, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience whether they choose the Gateron Glory Red or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the selection between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetics over the typing experience shared through their bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing too much fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel in their keyboard. Additionally, the Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a tactile feedback when fully pressed, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is not available. This means that while both switches allow for a linear typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is heavier and provides a defined bottoming out sensation, whereas the Glory Red is lighter, though the absence of its bottom out force makes direct comparisons challenging. Ultimately, users seeking lighter resistance should consider the Gateron Glory Red, while those desiring a firmer push should opt for the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has 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 difference means that the Glory Red offers a shorter actuation distance, making it potentially more responsive, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker key presses. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing might lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro, as its 3.8 mm travel distance allows for a deeper actuation, providing a fuller depth experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you enjoy faster response times, the Gateron Glory Red would be the better option, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth could opt for the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch does not have a specific auditory profile provided, but linear switches are generally known for their quieter operation compared to tactile and clicky options. This means that while they may produce a low, muted sound upon actuation, they do not provide the distinct auditory feedback commonly associated with more noisy switch types. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch stands out with its clearly defined sound characteristics. It is designed to produce a clacky and resonant sound, which offers a sharp and snappy auditory experience. The higher-pitched tones and clean sound profile make it noticeably more engaging for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. This variance in sound can greatly influence the typing experience, particularly for enthusiasts who enjoy the acoustics of their keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Glory Red linear switch is noted for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which generally translates to a comfortable typing experience. The feel can be described as light and easy to press, making it ideal for long typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a more substantial and bouncy feel. It is characterized by a combination of a creamy and polished sensation, providing a smooth, buttery typing experience along with a lively rebound that can enhance both typing speed and enjoyment. This switch brings a tactile depth to the experience, offering a more engaging interaction with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glory Red focuses on a lighter, smoother typing experience that minimizes sound, making it a good fit for users seeking quiet performance. In contrast, the Matcha Green Pro combines auditory feedback with a satisfying tactile feel, resulting in a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a muted, smooth action or a lively, resonant keystroke. Each can provide a gratifying typing experience, but they cater to different preferences regarding sound and feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a lighter, more effortless keystroke with a smooth travel distance that's ideal for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming without the tactile feedback, then the Glory Red switches are likely the better choice for you. They may not provide the auditory or tactile excitement of their counterparts, but they excel in delivering a gentle and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial key feel with a notable bottom-out force, combined with a clacky and resonant sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing or gaming, the Matcha Green Pro switches would be a fantastic fit. Their bouncy, creamy, and silky characteristics make for a lively and tactile experience that many typists and gamers find gratifying. In summary, assess what aspects matter most to you—whether it's a lighter, smoother experience or a sharper, more tactile one—and choose the switch that aligns with your desired keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
