HMX Macchiato vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the HMX Macchiato and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches become evident, each catering to distinct preferences for typing and gaming experiences. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smoothness and bright sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a softer and more refined keystroke. Its clacky and bouncy characteristics make it particularly attractive for those who value a light and feathery touch while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial and responsive feel, delivering a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that gives users clear tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its resonant clacks and creamy, polished design cater to individuals who appreciate a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. Thus, while both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, they serve different tastes—one leaning towards smooth lightness and the other towards robust feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro present an interesting comparison in terms of their housing materials. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from the softer nature of nylon, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a more resonant tone, and when clear, it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. Thus, while the Macchiato’s housing leans towards a warmer sound, the Akko V3 aims for clarity and brightness, highlighting the stark differences in their respective auditory experiences.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Macchiato and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon. This use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent and rounded acoustic experience in both switches. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, users will likely experience a similar depth and fullness when typing on either switch. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in material and sound signature, the nylon bottom housing ensures a familiar tactile and auditory sensation, making them comparable in this aspect.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles when keys are released, while the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing aligns the two switches closely in terms of feel and bottom-out sound. Therefore, typists seeking a nuanced auditory experience may prefer the Akko V3 for its sharper notes, while those desiring a more subdued sound may lean towards the HMX Macchiato. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom certainly bridges the gap, providing a grounding experience in each switch's response and resonance, leading to a harmonious typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to varied user preferences. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users might find more satisfying. This heavier feel can be appealing for those who prefer a more tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, the Macchiato is the lighter option, ideal for users looking for comfort during prolonged use, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro caters to those who enjoy a firmer push sensation.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Macchiato provides a more traditional feeling with its longer travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press and a more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's shorter distance caters to gamers and users seeking rapid response times, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize the depth and feedback of a longer travel distance or the swift actuation of a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, both the HMX Macchiato and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches share a clacky characteristic, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is crisp and bright. The Macchiato offers a distinctly clacky sound profile, while the Matcha Green Pro enhances this with resonant qualities, delivering not only the sharp clacks but also a clean and immersive higher-pitched sound. This makes the Matcha Green Pro’s auditory feedback feel more engaging, granting it a richer sound experience during use.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato excelled in fostering a silky smooth typing experience, enhanced further with bouncy and feathery properties that provide users with a lively and fatigue-reducing experience during extended typing sessions. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, on the other hand, promotes a creamy and polished sensation, hinting at a buttery smoothness as well as a refined, low-friction experience. Both switches offer a silky feel, ensuring that users enjoy an effortless transition across the keys, though the Matcha Green Pro adds a slight edge with its creamy texture which may appeal to some users.
Altogether, both the HMX Macchiato and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro deliver a delightful experience for those who appreciate clacky, smooth-switching keyboards. The Macchiato shines with its silky, bouncy characteristics, ideal for a light and responsive typing feel. Meanwhile, the Matcha Green Pro brings a more substantial, resonant auditory experience combined with its creamy and polished texture, providing integrated auditory and tactile satisfaction. Users can select based on their preferred balance of sound and tactile feedback, knowing they will enjoy quality performance from either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the type of activities you'll be using your keyboard for. If you prioritize a lightweight actuation force and a silky-smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions, the Macchiato is an excellent choice with its light 50-gram bottom-out force and feathery feel. It's perfect for those who enjoy extended typing without feeling held back, offering a bright and clacky sound that adds a unique auditory element to your workspace. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, the V3 Matcha Green Pro fits the bill. Its creamy and polished feel, combined with a responsive and tactile feedback, will make it particularly appealing for both typing and gaming scenarios where a satisfying bottom-out and resonant sound profile enhance the overall experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch resonate most with your typing style and daily tasks to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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