TTC Gold Red vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with distinct characteristics. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium resistance level, paired with a snappy sound profile that adds personality without being overpowering. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a substantial and responsive keystroke, culminating in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Gold Red switch is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Silky', appealing to those who prefer a neutral and polished typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Resonant', providing a creamy and silky feel with a touch of polished elegance. 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
43g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housing materials leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, attributing to a similar deep and full sound signature as the Gold Red.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the TTC Gold Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro presents a balanced approach to sound quality in keyboard switches. While the top housing material primarily influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Red or the V3 Matcha Green Pro, you can expect to experience a harmonious blend of sound characteristics from the different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in the force required for each. The TTC Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing may lean towards the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch, while the TTC Gold Red switch would be more suitable for individuals looking for a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has the shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Gold Red. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the TTC Gold Red may be more suitable for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel and level of responsiveness, so it will come down to personal preference on which one is the better option for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and rich sound that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and percussive tone that is clean and sharp. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red providing a more neutral experience, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a deeper, thockier sound or a sharper, clackier sound for your typing or gaming needs.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience with subtle resistance. The switch provides a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, with smooth key travel and a polished finish that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. With a polished finish and silky sensation, the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a lively and elastic feel that melts effortlessly into each keystroke. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, with the choice between the two dependent on whether you prefer a gentler, subtle feel or a bouncier, creamier sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Gold Red switch provides a thocky, low-pitched sound and a mild, silky feel, while the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a clacky, resonant sound and a bouncy, creamy feel. Both switches excel in providing smooth and satisfying typing experiences, with their unique characteristics adding personality to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light-medium resistance with a buttery smooth feel and a neutral, low-pitched sound profile, the Gold Red switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid, responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and a clacky, resonant sound, the Matcha Green Pro switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle typing experience with a light sound (Gold Red) or a more substantial feel with a sharp, resonant sound (Matcha Green Pro). Choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences for an optimal keyboarding experience.
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