Zuoce Lavender vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, providing a satisfying typing experience for those looking for an easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch stands out for its smooth and substantial feel, with a sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that is appealing to typists and gamers alike. 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
48g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is more visually appealing due to its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the POM top housing of the Lavender creates a unique and pleasing sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender adds to a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro contributes to a fuller sound. Overall, both switches offer a range of sound options based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, it is evident that the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced sound experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and muted sound of the POM top and bottom housings in the Lavender, or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the V3 Matcha Green Pro, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Lavender is lighter, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is heavier. The actuation force of the Lavender is 48 grams, which is lighter than the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Lavender is 53 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 63 grams to bottom out. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Lavender being on the lighter end of the spectrum and the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the more robust feel of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lavender switch offers a slightly quicker press due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a bit more depth to each key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 it comes to sound, both the Zuoce Lavender and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as producing a clacky noise when pressed, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory experience. However, the Matcha Green Pro switches also offer a resonant sound profile, adding a higher-pitched and immersive element to the typing or gaming session. Ultimately, both switches are likely to give similar results in terms of sound, with the Matcha Green Pro potentially providing a slightly more dynamic and resonant experience.
Moving on to feel, the Lavender switches are known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a range of tactile sensations that include a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery typing experience, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. While the Lavender switches focus on easy activation and minimal fatigue, the Matcha Green Pro switches offer a more diverse tactile experience with various levels of smoothness and rebound.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches provide a clacky sound signature, the Matcha Green Pro switches also add a resonant element to the auditory experience. Similarly, the Lavender switches prioritize easy activation and minimal fatigue, while the Matcha Green Pro switches offer a range of tactile sensations including bounciness, creaminess, polished smoothness, and silkiness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options likely to satisfy users looking for a high-quality linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience right out of the box with a medium-light bottom out force, the Lavender switch with its crisp and clacky sound signature may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and responsive keystroke with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing sensation and sound preference. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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