HMX Jelly vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro can significantly influence your typing or gaming experience. The HMX Jelly switches are celebrated for their low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, combined with a smooth feel attributed to excellent factory lube and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes them an excellent choice for users seeking a serene typing experience without the distraction of excessive noise. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are designed for those who prefer a more tactile response; they offer a satisfyingly solid keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and resonate with clacky sounds that can elevate the gaming or typing experience. Their unique characteristics make them appealing for typists and gamers who thrive on feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, one can immediately identify their distinct top housing compositions, which significantly influence the overall typing experience and sound profile. The HMX Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer qualities that absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller audio experience. This typically results in a rounder sound that many users find comforting and warm. In stark contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that generates a crisper and sharper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it particularly appealing for RGB enthusiasts, as it enhances lighting effects without compromising sound clarity.
Both switches share a common material in their bottom housings, as both the Jelly and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon. This shared feature means they both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory impression when bottoming out. The use of nylon in the bottom housing is advantageous since it effectively absorbs vibrations and minimizes noise, creating a consistent tactile sensation that is appealing for users who prioritize a softer feel. Consequently, while the top housing contributes a contrasting sound quality, the similarity in bottom housings ensures a uniformity in the depth of sound during key engagement for both switches.
Altogether, the combination of different materials for the top housings and the same material for the bottom housings creates a unique interplay between sound and feel in both switch types. When typing on these switches, the tactile response and bottom-out sound from the nylon bottom housing will be similar across both models. However, the differing top housings will shape the release sound distinctly—where the Jelly's nylon will maintain a warm and muffled sound, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate will produce a sharper, more resonant acoustic experience. As such, although they differ in some aspects, both switches can deliver satisfying results, accommodating a range of user preferences based on sound and lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces arises. The Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel during typing. Therefore, if you seek a lighter switch that prioritizes comfort for prolonged use, the HMX Jelly is the better option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may cater to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Jelly switch is lighter, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is heavier, which significantly affects the typing experience and user preference.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.8 mm, indicating that they have the same travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, resulting in comparable typing experiences. As both switches have the same travel distance, they should deliver similar results in terms of key response and actuation, allowing users to easily transition between the two without a noticeable difference in performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying acoustic feedback without being overly loud. This sound profile is particularly favored by those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches produce a clacky and resonant sound, which is sharper and brighter, creating an engaging and lively typing environment. The Matcha Greens offer a crisp and percussive sound that can resonate more and brings a touch of excitement to each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Together, these switches deliver distinctly different sound profiles, with the Jelly focusing on a deep, rich thock while the Matcha Green Pro provides a sharper, more resonant sound.
When evaluating the feel of the switches, the HMX Jelly linear switch is known for its smoothness, which is enhanced by its excellent factory lubrication and lighter actuation force of 42g. This combination creates a pleasant typing experience that minimizes resistance as fingers glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a more complex tactile experience with their bouncy, creamy, and polished characteristics. The Matcha Greens provide a lively spring-like feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic, coupled with a buttery smoothness and a sleek finish that allows for effortless key travel. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Matcha Green’s vibrant feel and tactile feedback create a different typing sensation compared to the Jelly's softer, more straightforward response.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches present unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jelly's low-pitched, deep thock contrasts with the Matcha Green’s sharp, resonant clacks, while the Jelly is defined by its smooth, lightweight feel, compared to the Matcha Green’s lively, bouncy, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should depend on whether one values a subdued sound with a straightforward smoothness or seeks a more vibrant auditory experience coupled with an engaging tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, your choice will depend on your specific preferences for typing feel, sound, and the type of tasks you engage in. If you favor a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a thocky sound, the Jelly switch is an excellent option, particularly for long typing sessions or casual gaming, where the low actuation force of 42g and deep, resonant sound will help keep fatigue at bay while providing satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust and substantial feel, prefer a medium bottom-out force for a responsive keystroke, and enjoy a sharper auditory experience with clacky sounds, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the way to go. Its bouncy, creamy, and polished feel caters well to both typists and gamers who seek a tactile and engaging connection with each keystroke, making it ideal for more intensive gaming sessions or fast-paced typing tasks. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard, and choose the switch that aligns with your desired experience.
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