HMX Gravel vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel 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 switches, the HMX Gravel and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stand out as two compelling options within the linear switch category, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, providing users with a responsive and effortless typing experience. This makes it a favorite among those who prioritize ease of use and fluidity during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro delivers a more substantial sensation, ensuring a solid keystroke with a gratifying sharp bottom-out that typists and gamers alike appreciate. Its distinct resonant clacks add an extra layer of auditory enjoyment, making it an enticing choice for those who revel in a more engaging tactile feedback. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their individual characteristics may sway your choice. 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
3.50 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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar high-pitched and crisp sound profile characteristic of this material. Polycarbonate is recognized for its rigidity, which allows it to produce clearer and more resonant sounds, making both switches appealing choices for users who prioritize auditory feedback. Furthermore, both switches feature a translucent design, which enhances their compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing the glow to shine through and create visually engaging effects. Therefore, users can expect an equally vibrant aesthetic and auditory experience from both models, as the polycarbonate top housing significantly contributes to their overall sound profile.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch uses nylon, a material that distinctly contrasts with polycarbonate. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer properties absorb sound waves more effectively, leading to a duller yet richer auditory experience. Although both the Gravel and the V3 Matcha Green Pro share this nylon bottom housing, the interplay between the two different materials results in a unique auditory effect. While pressing down on either switch will affirm the nylon's contribution to sound, each switch's top housing's polycarbonate will still affect the keystroke's auditory character when released.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Gravel and the V3 Matcha Green Pro results in distinct acoustic signatures. Although both switches produce similar sound characteristics during different aspects of keystrokes—sharpness from the polycarbonate top and fullness from the nylon bottom—the results can vary slightly based on how each material interacts under varying typing conditions. So while users can expect some similarities due to the shared use of polycarbonate for the tops and nylon for the bottoms, these materials will still create a nuanced auditory experience unique to each individual switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Gravel switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gameplay, as it requires less effort to register each keypress. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience that some users prefer. This difference means that those inclined towards a lighter feel may gravitate towards the HMX Gravel for comfort, while those who favor a firmer push might opt for the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro for its weightier feedback. Therefore, if you're seeking a more relaxed typing experience over long durations, the lighter Gravel would be the better choice, while the heavier Matcha Green Pro would appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, the Gravel stands at 3.5 mm, while the Matcha Green Pro measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm might seem minor, but it can significantly affect the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Gravel is likely to provide a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional typing experience with a sense of depth, preventing the feeling of abruptness associated with shorter travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding keystroke responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 considering the sound of both switches, the HMX Gravel lacks specific auditory characteristics in the information available, leaving its sound profile somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are distinctively clacky and resonant, producing a bright, crisp sound when pressed. The auditory experience is not only sharp but also immersive, contributing to an enjoyable typing environment for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively soundscape. It's important to note that the sound of any switch can also vary greatly based on factors like the keyboard's build and the chosen keycaps.
Focusing on the feel, the Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, making them ideal for those enjoying a lighter touch and responsive feel. The V3 Matcha Green Pro, while also emphasizing smoothness, is characterized by its bouncy, silky texture and a substantial feedback at the bottom-out. This bounce and tactile response create a lively typing experience that is both satisfying and invigorating, catering to typists and gamers who crave a bit of feedback with each keystroke. The creamy and polished sensation further enhances the overall experience of the Matcha Green Pro, making it feel luxurious and fluid.
In summary, while the HMX Gravel switches offer a smooth and refined typing feel with a light actuation force, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches bring a more vibrant auditory and tactile experience with their clacky sounds and varied textures. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Gravel emphasizing a seamless experience and the Matcha Green Pro providing a lively and immersive typing sensation. Depending on what you prioritize—whether it be the smoothness of the Gravel or the engaging feedback of the Matcha Green Pro—each can deliver a satisfying typing experience but in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you prefer a lighter touch that facilitates quick, effortless typing with a satisfyingly smooth feel, the HMX Gravel is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for long typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback during your key press, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro’s medium 63-gram bottom-out force will provide that solid, responsive feel you might be looking for. Furthermore, if you appreciate auditory engagement while typing, the lively clacky and resonant sounds of the Matcha Green Pro add an extra layer of enjoyment to your keystrokes. Ultimately, select the Gravel for smoothness and ease, and go for the Matcha Green Pro if you want a firmer, more pronounced typing experience. Each switch has its distinct flavor, catering to different typing styles and sound preferences, so choose the one that resonates best with you.
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