KTT Hyacinth vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Hyacinth stands out with its 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to provide a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. It also deviates from the norm by using a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a smooth and substantial keystroke experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, providing clear and tactile feedback. While the Hyacinth is categorized as neutral, silky, and subtle, the Matcha Green Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. However, let's dive a bit deeper into the details so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. However, while both switches have a similar top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings. The Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing also offers a deep and full sound, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of nylon as a switch housing material.
Despite sharing the same top housing material, the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer unique characteristics due to their differing bottom housings. The split of qualities between the top and bottom housings means that the overall sound and feel of the switch is influenced by both materials. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of considering both housing materials when designing switches to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings known for producing sharp and crisp sounds, their nylon bottom housings offer distinct qualities that contribute to a fuller sound. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. By understanding the characteristics of different housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences and needs.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams while the V3 Matcha Green Pro needs 63 grams, making the latter heavier in this aspect. The Hyacinth offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing feel. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, with the lighter actuation force of the Hyacinth being suitable for extended typing, and the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Hyacinth offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Hyacinth for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the V3 Matcha Green Pro more satisfying due to its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a similar typing experience with slight variations in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 KTT Hyacinth and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Hyacinth switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and preferences. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch emits a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and immersive typing experience. If you prefer a moderate sound with versatility, the Hyacinth is a solid choice. However, if you enjoy a crisp and vibrant sound that enhances your keyboarding experience, the Matcha Green Pro is the way to go.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Hyacinth presents a silky and subtle typing sensation, emphasizing a smooth and gentle keystroke with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, and polished feel. This unique combination provides a lively and buttery smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a gentle and refined touch or a more dynamic and spring-like feel, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Hyacinth and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Hyacinth focuses on a neutral sound with a silky and subtle typing feel, catering to users seeking a versatile and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound paired with a bouncy, creamy, and polished tactile sensation, appealing to those who appreciate a lively and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that you'll achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smoother and more consistent typing feel with a moderate actuation force, the Hyacinth may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and responsive keystroke with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so make your decision based on what best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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