Gazzew LT vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT 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 are the Gazzew LT and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both of which are linear switches. The Gazzew LT switches are well-known for their lilac hue and impressive auditory experience, offering a deep, resonant thockiness with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a smooth and substantial feel, delivering a solid and responsive typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. While the LT switches are categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Matcha Green Pro switches are labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Overall, the LT may appeal to those who prefer a seamless glide and deep sound, while the Matcha Green Pro may be more suitable for individuals seeking a tactile feedback and clear clacks. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Gazzew LT offers a softer and more mellow typing experience, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more defined and vibrant sound with its stiffer polycarbonate material.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro also play a significant role in shaping the overall sound of the switches. The Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, consistent with the top housing's characteristics. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro features a nylon bottom housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more round and muffled typing experience. The difference in bottom housing materials further distinguishes the sound profiles of these two switches, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gazzew LT and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct characteristics, the overall experience of each switch is a result of the combination of these materials. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when letting go of a key. Both switches provide a well-rounded typing experience, each with its own unique sound profile that caters to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is clear that the LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 63 grams. However, the actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro at 55 grams is lighter than the LT's force, which is not specified. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force. The LT switch may provide a more "substantial" typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch's 3.8 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the LT switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 Gazzew LT switches are best known for their bassy and thocky characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile with each key press. The low-pitched nature of these switches adds to the overall auditory experience, making typing a satisfyingly immersive activity. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a clacky and resonant sound when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp feedback that is particularly appealing to users who enjoy a brighter sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT switches do not have specific descriptors available, so it is essential to consider user feedback and personal testing to determine their tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. These qualities contribute to a more refined and effortlessly responsive keystroke, accommodating various typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, the feel of a switch plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, and choosing between the two switches will depend on the desired tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gazzew LT linear switches and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The LT switches excel in producing a bassy and thocky sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches deliver a clacky and resonant auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Akko switches provide a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, enhancing the overall comfort and responsiveness of keystrokes. By considering these subjective qualities, newcomers can make an informed decision based on their preferred sound and feel preferences for a customized typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew LT linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep, resonant thocky sound profile with every keystroke, the Gazzew LT may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and appreciate a smooth and substantial keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, along with a clacky and resonant sound profile, then the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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