Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that make them appealing for various users. The Lunar Probe is lauded for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, delivering an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a smooth and substantial feel, ideal for those who enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out for clear tactile feedback. While the Lunar Probe offers a more subtle and stable typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a resonant clack and a bouncy feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, the sound profiles and aesthetics of both switches will be quite comparable due to the shared use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
On the other hand, the differences between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housing. The Gateron Lunar Probe features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Similarly, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. With both switches using nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide a similar tactile experience due to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housing. However, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, so users may notice slight differences in sound profile between the two switches based on the polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Lunar Probe is lighter in both aspects. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lunar Probe make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a medium resistance, offering a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the small difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the specific feel and response time desired during typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for providing a subtle and smooth typing experience with a quiet sound signature, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a more resonant and clacky keypress, resulting in a sharper and more percussive sound. The Lunar Probe may be preferred for users seeking a quieter typing experience, while the Matcha Green Pro appeals to those who enjoy a more audible and tactile feedback while typing. However, it is important to note that the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is described as providing a smooth and consistent linear typing sensation due to its dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses, but specific qualitative descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, combining elements of spring-like feedback, buttery smoothness, refined finish, and exceptional smoothness in each keystroke. This variety of tactile sensations appeals to users who appreciate a versatile and satisfying typing experience, with each keystroke offering a unique blend of rebound, smoothness, and refined key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lunar Probe emphasizes a smooth and stable typing experience with a subtle sound profile, while the Matcha Green Pro provides a more resonant and clacky typing feel with a variety of tactile sensations. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, with both switches capable of delivering high-quality performance for users seeking different typing characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Lunar Probe may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a solid, responsive keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
