TKC Kiwi vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch. The Kiwi switches are praised for their tactile feedback, with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing an immersive typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial keystroke, culminating in a sharp bottom-out for clear and tactile feedback. While the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed for a smooth typing experience out of the box, the Matcha Green Pro switches provide resonant clacks for a gratifying typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, providing a very bright and resonant sound signature when typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for maximizing RGB lighting effects, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Kiwi focusing on brightness and resonance, and the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a combination of sharpness and depth.
In terms of aesthetics, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a visually appealing translucent look, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE housing may not offer the same level of visual flair but excels in providing a bright and resonant sound experience. While both switches prioritize performance over aesthetics, the choice between UHWMPE and polycarbonate as the top housing material ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and lighting customization.
Overall, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro comes down to individual preferences for sound aesthetics and typing feel. The UHWMPE housing of the Kiwi offers a bright and resonant typing experience, while the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound profile. Whether prioritizing sound clarity or visual aesthetics, both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier at 67 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly lighter at 63 grams. This means that the Kiwi provides a lighter initial keystroke but requires more force to fully press down, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a heavier initial push but less force needed to bottom out. Overall, the Kiwi has a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a more consistent feel throughout the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Kiwi being on the longer side and the V3 Matcha Green Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the Kiwi with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, delivering a sharp, snappy sound profile with higher pitches for an immersive auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Kiwi will provide a more subdued tone, while the Matcha Green Pro will offer a sharper and more pronounced click when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. With a two-stage tactile feedback, medium tactility, and smooth key travel, these switches provide a refined and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. With spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery keystrokes, refined finish, and exceptional smoothness, these switches ensure a lively and effortless typing experience. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and key travel, the Kiwi will provide a more defined tactility, while the Matcha Green Pro will offer a smoother and more elastic keystroke.
Considering the subjective qualities of both switches, users can expect a different typing experience based on their preferences. The Kiwi tactile switch is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-strong bump and a mellow, neutral sound profile, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is suitable for individuals who appreciate a smooth and substantial keystroke with a clacky, resonant sound. Depending on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in typing, you can choose between the Kiwi and the Matcha Green Pro switches to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a stepped, accented, and polished feel, then the Kiwi would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a linear switch with a smooth and substantial feel, a clacky and resonant sound profile, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be more suited to your typing style. Consider your typing preferences and needs carefully to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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