Huano Grape Orange vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your typing or gaming experience, the Huano Grape Orange and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stand out as two compelling options in the linear switch category. The Grape Orange switches are renowned for their exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, featuring a low 40g actuation force that makes them ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a more substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, appealing to users who relish a solid, responsive keystroke. The Matcha Green Pro's design delivers a gratifying auditory feedback, creating resonant clacks that typists and gamers find satisfying. While the Grape Orange excels in providing ease during extended use, the Matcha Green Pro focuses on a more tactile and engaging experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. This material, known for its stiffness, lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and clear. In both switches, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the acoustic quality by allowing for greater resonance but also makes them visually appealing when paired with RGB lighting. This commonality suggests that users can expect a similar auditory experience when engaging with these switches, particularly during the actuation phase, where the heightened sensitivity of polycarbonate comes into play.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a different sound characteristic to the overall switch profile. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound quality when typing. This divergence between the top and bottom housings means that while the Grape Orange and V3 Matcha Green Pro may produce a bright, resonant sound when keys are released, the bottom-out feel and sound will be more muted and rounded due to the nylon material. Therefore, while both types of switches maintain a consistent theme with their top materials, the tactile and auditory experience alters distinctly once the bottom housing takes effect.
To effectively compare both switches, one must consider the combined impact of these housing materials. The polycarbonate top ensures a clear, high-pitched response, perfect for showcasing vibrant RGB effects, while the nylon bottom dampens and enriches the overall typing experience with its deeper sound. Users who prioritize a clean, bright sound when pressing keys will appreciate the similarities in the top housing, yet those who enjoy the comforting depth of sound at bottom-out will notice the unique character imparted by the nylon. Overall, while they operate under the same principle of combining different materials for distinctive sound profiles, the nuances provided by their respective constructions create unique experiences when typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, while the Grape Orange is the lighter switch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's heavier forces provide a different tactile response that some users may find more satisfying. This variety allows users to choose based on their individual comfort and typing style preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm highlights the Grape Orange as the shorter option, which may cater to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro, with its greater travel distance, might provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their key presses. Ultimately, if you enjoy a responsive experience, the Grape Orange may be the better choice, whereas if you are inclined towards a fuller keystroke, the slightly longer travel of the V3 Matcha Green Pro will likely suit your preference better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange linear switch is relatively subdued compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Grape Orange is designed to provide a quieter experience, making it ideal for those who prefer to keep their typing noise to a minimum, especially in shared workspaces. In contrast, the Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its clacky and resonant sound profile. Users can expect a crisp, bright auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. The sharp, snappy sounds coupled with a higher-pitched resonance make the Matcha Green Pro a choice for individuals who enjoy a more prominent auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange delivers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This low resistance makes it a fantastic choice for extended typing sessions, allowing fingers to glide over the keys with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial and tactile experience, characterized by its bouncy, creamy, and silky sensations. This switch provides a reassuring feedback with each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a solid rebound and a smooth, polished feel as they type.
In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch provides a light and quiet typing experience, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is all about the tactile feedback and auditory joy found in a more pronounced clacky sound. Both switches cater to different user preferences; if you seek a meditative, quieter experience, the Grape Orange is your go-to, whereas if you enjoy a lively and resonant typing experience with excellent feedback, the Matcha Green Pro may be more aligned with your needs. Understanding these differences can help newcomers select the right switch for their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you value a light, effortless typing experience, especially for extended sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice, with its ultra-low actuation force and smooth keystroke that minimizes finger fatigue. This makes it particularly appealing for those who spend long hours composing text or coding. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is ideal if you prefer a more solid and responsive feel with a satisfying tactile feedback. Its medium actuation force and bouncy, creamy texture provide a more engaging typing experience, perfect for both typists and gamers who appreciate the auditory feedback of clacky, resonant sounds. Thus, if you prioritize a lightweight switch for ease of use, go for the Grape Orange; however, if you enjoy a more pronounced and dynamic keystroke with a richer auditory experience, the Matcha Green Pro will serve you well.
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