Kailh BCP vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Kailh BCP switches stand out with their unique design inspired by the iconic Black Cherry Pies, delivering a creamy, bouncy feel complemented by a signature poppy and clacky sound. Their construction eliminates the need for disassembly, making them a hassle-free option for enthusiasts who value convenience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are recognized for their smooth and substantial keystroke, offering a satisfying sharp bottom-out that typists and gamers will appreciate. With a focus on providing resonant clacks, these switches cater to users who enjoy clear and tactile feedback. While the BCP delivers a more playful typing experience with its elastic qualities, the Matcha Green Pro offers a polished and solid feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, we see a distinct difference at the top housing level. The Kailh BCP employs nylon for its top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively. This results in a rounder and more muted acoustic response when typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, yielding a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant acoustic experience, which is especially pronounced if the housing is clear and illuminates well under RGB lighting.
Interestingly, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, meaning they share a significant aspect when it comes to sound and feel at the lower end of the switch. Due to the softness of nylon, both the Kailh BCP and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This shared material contributes to a consistent tactile feedback for the user, providing a smooth and satisfying experience during keystrokes. Consequently, players and typists can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel when engaging with either switch despite the top housings differing in material.
The differences in top housing materials lead to distinctive typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. Users who favor a muted acoustic profile will find the Kailh BCP more aligned with their needs, while those who appreciate sharper, more resonant sounds will likely prefer the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. However, since both switches rely on nylon for the bottom housing, they share that underlying feel and sound when pressed down. As a result, while the top housing materials create contrasting auditory signatures, the overall typing experience remains reminiscent, thanks to the unifying factor of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we find that the actuation and bottom out forces vary slightly between the two. The Kailh BCP has a lower actuation force of 52 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro requires a slightly heavier 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the BCP at 63.5 grams and the V3 at 63 grams, giving a comparable experience when fully pressed down. This means that while the Kailh BCP may facilitate longer typing sessions for users who prefer lighter switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro might offer a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push during use. In summary, the BCP is the lighter option, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly heavier, providing users with distinct choices based on their preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro extends to 3.8 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option and the V3 Matcha Green Pro the longer one. For gamers seeking quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the BCP may be preferable, as it allows for faster actuations. Conversely, the V3 Matcha Green Pro, with its longer travel distance, potentially offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy the depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for responsiveness versus a more traditional, hearty depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, both offer engaging auditory experiences that enhance typing satisfaction. The BCP is characterized by its distinctive poppy and clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy response that adds to the tactile joy of keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also delivers a clacky sound, described as bright and percussive, with a resonant quality that contributes to a clean and immersive auditory experience. Both switches promise an enjoyable sound, though the Matcha Green Pro's emphasis on resonation may provide a slightly more dynamic acoustic response.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch stands out with its creamy, viscous texture, offering a bouncy and elastic typing experience that feels lively and responsive. This plush sensation gives a delightful rebound effect upon key presses, making typing engaging and enjoyable. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch also emphasizes a bouncy feel but further enhances the experience with its smooth and substantial keypress. This switch provides a sharp bottom-out sensation that gives typists and gamers alike gratifying feedback. Although both switches offer bouncy attributes, the BCP leans towards a richer, creamier texture, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro shines with its solid and responsive characteristics, suggesting a difference in how each switch engages the fingertips.
Overall, both the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch present unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the BCP is celebrated for its creamy and elastic feel paired with an engaging clacky sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels with its smooth, substantial keystrokes and resonant clacks. Users can expect different auditory and tactile experiences, highlighting how personal preference plays a critical role in switch selection. Ultimately, both switches can yield enjoyable results, but the best choice will depend on the desired combination of sound and feel for the individual typist or gamer.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch will largely depend on your individual typing and gaming preferences. If you find pleasure in a typing experience that combines a bouncy, elastic feel with a distinctively clacky sound profile, the BCP might just be your ideal match. It’s designed for those who appreciate a slightly heavier keystroke that gives a satisfying pop with each press, ensuring a lively and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you lean toward a smoother, more substantial feel with clean and crisp auditory feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would be your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force and polished action provide that satisfying tactile response without being overly heavy, making it a versatile option for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound; whether you desire the vivaciousness of the BCP or the refined smoothness of the Matcha Green Pro, either switch can significantly enhance your overall typing journey.
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