KTT Laurel vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer distinct qualities for different preferences. The Laurel is praised for its medium-light feel, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and substantial feel, sharp bottom-out feedback, and satisfyingly clear tactile feedback, resulting in resonant clacks during use. While the Laurel is ideal for those seeking a snappy and low-pitched typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro appeals to users who appreciate bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, and silky keystrokes. However, let's delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, one notable difference is in the top housing material. The Laurel features a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Laurel provides a unique sound experience that leans towards a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Laurel again employs POM, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile experienced in the top housing. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. The nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, giving a unique typing experience when compared to the POM bottom housing of the Laurel.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vary, it's important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the key press, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when the key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience, tailored to the preferences of the user based on the sound profile they desire.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The Laurel switch is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance for a tactile typing experience. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Laurel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Laurel switch with its shorter travel distance, while others who prefer a deeper keystroke may lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch produces resonant and clacky sounds, providing a sharp and snappy experience when typing. Depending on personal preference, the Laurel switch may offer a more soothing and understated auditory experience compared to the vibrant and percussive sound of the Matcha Green Pro switch.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is known for its snappy response, making typing feel more alive and vibrant. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. This range of tactile feedback options in the Matcha Green Pro switch caters to different preferences, from a lively bounce to a luxurious glide across the keys.
Considering all available information, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Laurel switch provides a low-pitched sound and a snappy feel, the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers resonant clacks and a variety of sensations including bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their unique needs for both auditory and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile with a snappy feel, the Laurel switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a clacky and resonant sound profile, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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