Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stand out with their unique characteristics. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch is ideal for users looking for a neutral and polished feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is also a linear switch but is appreciated for its smooth and substantial keystroke, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback. The Matcha Green Pro switches are perfect for those who enjoy bouncy and creamy typing experiences, with a polished and resonant feel. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately the best choice will depend on personal preferences. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend and the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon housing offer different acoustic experiences. The Ink Yellow's bottom housing contributes to its high-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound of the Ink Yellow. Overall, the bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches differ in their properties and resulting sound profiles, the top housing of both switches plays a crucial role in the overall sound when a key is released. The differences in material properties between polycarbonate and the INK blend may lead to variations in sound quality. However, the impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound remains consistent. Whether using the proprietary INK blend or nylon bottom housing, users can expect distinct tactile and auditory feedback when typing on these switches.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro only needs 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, which puts it in the medium category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be more suitable, as it requires less force to operate. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the slightly heavier Ink Yellow switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gaming keyboards due to faster response times. However, the subtle difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. If you prioritize a quicker response, the Ink Yellow may be the better choice, while if you prefer a bit more depth in the key press, the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance in keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow linear switch has a neutral and clacky profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement with a crisp and sharp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is also clacky but adds a resonant quality, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Both switches will give you satisfying clacks, but the Matcha Green Pro may offer a slightly sharper and cleaner sound due to its resonant feature.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, striking a balance between gentle typing and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch presents a bouncy, creamy, and polished feel, delivering a lively bounce with a silky and buttery typing sensation. Both switches are polished for a sleek typing experience, but the Matcha Green Pro may offer a more elastic feedback and smoother keystrokes due to its creamy and silky qualities.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow may provide a slightly softer and more neutral sound profile with a polished typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro stands out with its resonant sound and bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound sharpness and key feedback, you can't go wrong with either switch as they both deliver exceptional typing experiences with their own distinct characteristics. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ink Yellow or the Matcha Green Pro, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smoother, clacky typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with a medium bottom out force that provides a solid and responsive keystroke, along with satisfyingly sharp bottom-out feedback and resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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