Gateron Ink Red vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Known for its smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds are effortless to type on and fall under categories like 'Silky' and 'Mild'. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches boast a smooth and substantial feel, catering to users who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke. With a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, the Matcha Green Pro switches offer a bouncy and clacky experience categorized as 'Creamy' and 'Resonant'. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, it is evident that they differ in terms of the materials used. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference in materials leads to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches.
Moreover, the bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro also differ in material composition. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile produced by the INK blend bottom housing. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound of a switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that are influenced by the combination of top and bottom materials. The impact of the top housing material is more pronounced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Ultimately, whether using the INK blend or polycarbonate for the top housing, and nylon for the bottom housing, each switch provides a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ink Red requires 60 grams of force while the V3 Matcha Green Pro needs 63 grams, giving a slightly firmer feel to typing on the latter switch. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly lighter and softer typing experience on the Gateron Ink Red, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a bit more resistance and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see that the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances for keyboard switches. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, with the Ink Red offering a slightly longer travel distance and the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a slightly shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, while also having a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile that is sharp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches will deliver a distinct sound experience based on the factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky and polished typing experience with minimal resistance, making it smooth and refined for effortless typing. It also falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that caters to a wide audience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy feel that provides a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Similar to the sound aspect, the feel of these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as lubing and materials used.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Ink Red provides a crispy and clacky sound with a silky and polished feel, suited for those with a lighter typing style, while the Matcha Green Pro delivers a resonant clack and a bouncy, creamy typing experience for a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that will enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences and usage scenarios, ensuring a satisfying performance for users seeking a top-tier mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with lower actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on your individual typing preferences and needs.
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