HMX KD200 vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek out the right combination of feel and sound to elevate their typing or gaming experience. The HMX KD200 switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a lively auditory feedback that can invigorate your typing rhythm and fulfill the cravings of those who enjoy a more pronounced soundscape. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches deliver a smooth and substantial feel that is perfect for users who appreciate both a solid response and tactile feedback during their keystrokes. With a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, these switches provide a gratifying experience, making them versatile for both typing and gaming. While the KD200 excels in creating a resonant and engaging sound, the Matcha Green Pro emphasizes a polished and bouncy feel. Ultimately, each switch has its unique advantages tailored to different 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer unique contrasts that significantly affect their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The KD200 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This choice allows the switch to absorb impact and sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This stiffer material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which enhances clarity and resonance, especially when RGB lighting is present.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a harmonious similarity. Both the KD200 and V3 Matcha Green Pro are constructed with nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material results in a consistent foundation for both switches, as nylon’s softer characteristics yield a deeper sound signature that manifests during key bottom-out. Despite the disparity in the top housing materials, which impacts the sounds produced on key release differently, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience a comparable sensation and acoustics when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while the differences in top housing—nylon for the KD200 and polycarbonate for the V3 Matcha Green Pro—create distinctive sound profiles during key release, the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings creates a unifying element in the user experience. This blend allows for a full spectrum of acoustic effects where the deeper sounds from nylon are complemented by the sharper tones from polycarbonate, making both switches appealing in their own right. Ultimately, keyboard enthusiasts who favor one switch over the other will appreciate how these varying materials influence both sound and feel during their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces is evident. The KD200 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lightweight touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions, whether at work or during extended gaming. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. This means that while both switches offer unique advantages, the KD200 is the lighter option, providing ease of use, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a heavier, more tactile experience for those who favor a robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The KD200 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option of the two. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which provides a slightly deeper press. Gamers often favor shorter travel distances like that of the KD200 for enhanced responsiveness, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro's longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 KD200 linear switch is best known for its clackiness, making it the loudest within the HMX Film switch family. This characteristic allows for a vibrant auditory experience with each keystroke, where the sound is typically sharp and noticeable. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro produces a similarly clacky sound, described as crisp, bright, and percussive, with a resonant quality that adds an immersive layer to the typing experience. Both switches have the capacity to generate an engaging sound profile; however, the overall auditory experience can be significantly influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which should be considered when evaluating their sound.
When it comes to feel, the KD200 switch conveys a straightforward linear action, but specific tactile characteristics are not detailed; thus, it’s challenging to directly compare its feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro excels with multiple descriptors including bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. This means typing on the Matcha Green Pro is not only responsive and lively, but it also provides a wonderfully smooth experience characterized by minimal resistance, which typists and gamers will find greatly enjoyable. The comprehensive tactile feedback makes every keystroke gratifying, appealing to a wide variety of users.
In conclusion, while the HMX KD200 and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches each offer a distinctive auditory footprint, the Matcha Green Pro stands out significantly in terms of tactile feel with its bouncy and silky attributes. If you value a clacky sound while typing, either switch can meet those expectations; however, for an elevated typing experience with smoother keystrokes, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is the superior choice, providing a broader spectrum of tactile enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch with a more pronounced auditory experience, the KD200's 50 grams of bottom-out force and its reputation for being the clackiest switch in the HMX Film family make it an enticing choice. It’s perfect for users who enjoy feedback from both sound and feel during their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust tactile response coupled with a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might appeal to you more. Its smooth and substantial feel, along with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and a bouncy typing experience, can enhance your productivity and gaming performance. Additionally, if you appreciate a refined auditory experience with crisp, bright, and percussive sounds, the Matcha Green Pro offers that resonance which gives a delightful feedback during use. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether it's the force, sound profile, feedback, or overall typing feel—resonate most with your needs to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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