Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience. The Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, while the Matcha Green Pro provides a bouncy and resonant feedback. The Matcha Green Pro switches have a more substantial and responsive feel, while the Ink Box Black switches are incredibly smooth and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a sharp bottom-out or a silky keystroke. 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique sound profiles based on their composition. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha Green Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for those looking to enhance RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Matcha Green Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound compared to the Ink Box Black's bottom housing.
The differences in the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro extend to the typing experience as well. The Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing adds to the clacky and high-pitched sound when keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Matcha Green Pro produces a duller and rounder sound, offering a softer typing sensation. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced for the Matcha Green Pro, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when keys are released.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, both switches provide satisfying results for keyboard enthusiasts. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black and the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha Green Pro each contribute to a unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Matcha Green Pro adds a depth to the sound that differs from the clacky nature of the Ink Box Black's bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer a variety of qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. The Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate a key and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro only needs 55 grams to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, making it a medium switch. This difference in force may cater to different preferences, with some users preferring the heavier feel of the Ink Box Black for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the lighter actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is clear that the former has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the latter has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may provide a different typing experience for users. The Ink Box Black's shorter travel distance may offer a quicker key press, ideal for gaming, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Ink Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch also delivers a clacky sound profile but adds a resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches produce satisfyingly sharp sounds when pressed, though the Matcha Green Pro may offer a more immersive sound due to its resonant nature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing feel, giving a spring-like sensation with a smooth and buttery keystroke. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of typing, allowing for effortless key presses and releases.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Black and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer slightly different sound and feel profiles, they both prioritize providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Ink Box Black or the clacky and resonant sound of the Matcha Green Pro, both switches promise a premium typing feel with minimal resistance and enhanced tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to cater to the diverse needs of typists and gamers.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the weight preference for your typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Ink Box Black with 70 grams may be more suitable for you. The smooth and creamy feel of the Ink Box Blacks, paired with their clacky and high-pitched sound, can provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force of 63 grams, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a bouncy and creamy feel with resonant and clacky sound qualities. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key weight, feel, and sound when selecting between these two switches.
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