Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is lauded for its lighter typing feel and higher-pitched clack, making it ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial and responsive keystroke, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks that appeal to typists and gamers seeking clear tactile feedback. While both switches have their unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both use different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The INK blend used in the Ink Box Pink creates a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, whereas the polycarbonate material of the V3 Matcha Green Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound. The INK blend offers a more satisfying thin sound, while the polycarbonate material's stiffness delivers a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate of the V3 Matcha Green Pro allows for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink and V3 Matcha Green Pro differ in material as well. The INK blend of the Ink Box Pink continues to provide a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the nylon material of the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend. This contrast in sound profiles between the bottom housings adds another layer of uniqueness to each switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro contributes to their individual sound characteristics. While the INK blend and nylon materials offer differing sound profiles in the top and bottom housings of the switches, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound qualities. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate material or a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon material, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium category in terms of weight. The Gateron Ink Box Pink has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro needs 63 grams. This means that the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer periods of typing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. In the end, both switches offer a similar feel due to their medium weight classification, but the subtle differences in force may impact the typing experience for some users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gateron switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akko switch. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be noticeable to all users, but for those sensitive to key travel distances, it can make a difference in the typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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 Pink switch offers a higher-pitched and clacky typing experience, producing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch also produces a clacky sound but with a resonant quality, providing a sharper and cleaner auditory experience. Both switches offer a satisfying typing sound that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction when pressing and releasing keys. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch, on the other hand, provides a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback and a buttery smooth typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Ink Box Pink switch provides a higher-pitched clacky sound with a silky typing feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a resonant clack sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience that can enhance your productivity and enjoyment while using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a lighter feel and higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clack sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be the better option. Consider your preference for typing feel and sound when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
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