Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Matcha both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is renowned for its satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out with its comfortable and snappy tactility, resulting in a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. While the Lavender Purple Pro provides a polished and bouncy feel, the Matcha offers a clacky and feathery typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Matcha lies in their housing materials. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through. In contrast, the Matcha also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering similar sound characteristics and aesthetic advantages with its clear design.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings in common, their bottom housings differ significantly. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. The choice of bottom housing material can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material of a switch plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when keys are released. Therefore, the difference in housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Matcha will result in varying typing experiences for users. Whether one prefers the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, these housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall typing feel and sound profile of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the KTT Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is on the lighter side. This means that the Matcha switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Lavender Purple Pro switch. Depending on personal preference, some might find the lighter Matcha switch more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Lavender Purple Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and can offer a comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, giving a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is described as having a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This difference in sound profile can cater to different preferences, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a higher-pitched tone and the Matcha providing a distinct clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities offer a medium tactile experience with a lively and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. This means that the Matcha provides a two-stage tactile feel with a light actuation force, suitable for extended typing sessions and offering a gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Matcha switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile and a medium tactile feel, the Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound with a two-stage tactile feel and a lighter actuation force, the Matcha switch would be more suitable. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when making a decision between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-light touch, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its 55-gram bottom out force might be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Matcha with its 45-gram bottom out force would be the better choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great option. However, if you value a clean bottom-out sound and a comfortable, snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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