Durock Light Tactile vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stand out for their unique characteristics. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more subtle typing experience compared to other tactile switches on the market. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches from Akko provide a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, delivering clear and tactile feedback for both typists and gamers. While the Light Tactile switch is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch boasts characteristics such as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal depending on individual preferences and typing style. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, we see that both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is favored for its translucency, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect a similar sound experience from both keyboards, with a clear and resonant sound profile.
However, when we look at the bottom housing materials, we see a difference between the two keyboards. The Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing may contribute more to the key release sound, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Durock Light Tactile and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro impacts the sound profile and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Users can expect a different typing experience between the two keyboards, with the bottom housing material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material affecting the key release sound. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we see that the Light Tactile is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, the Light Tactile may be the better option, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we find that the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Light Tactile offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a more responsive feel or a deeper press. Both switches offer a different experience, but with the similar results of key actuation and typing efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound experience, creating a sharp and immersive auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users may lean towards the gentler sound of the Light Tactile or the more pronounced clacks of the Matcha Green Pro.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by a gentle tactility and reduced friction for smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, with an elastic feedback sensation, buttery smoothness, refined finish, and minimal resistance when pressing keys. Whether one prefers the gentler and more refined feel of the Light Tactile or the lively and smooth sensation of the Matcha Green Pro will depend on individual typing preferences.
Taking all available information into account, the Durock Light Tactile and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile provides a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound alongside a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences. If you value a gentle and angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, along with a mild and polished feel, then the Light Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and substantial keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, along with a clacky and bouncy sound profile and a creamy and silky feel, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro is likely the switch that will best suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and auditory preferences.
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