Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two standout options are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Magnetic Jade switch, notable for its hall effect mechanism, delivers a bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an enhanced auditory experience paired with precise actuation. It's particularly favored by those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard for a superior typing sensation and improved acoustics. Conversely, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch presents a linear option characterized by a smooth and substantial feel, providing a solid and responsive keystroke that appeals to typists and gamers who appreciate a clear and tactile feedback. Its design boasts a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, resulting in resonant clacks that enhance the overall typing pleasure. Each switch offers its own unique benefits: the Magnetic Jade excels in sound and precision, while the Matcha Green Pro stands out for its smoothness and tactile 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
30g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, allowing for a sharper and crisper sound when the key is pressed and released. This shared material leads to a harmoniously similar auditory experience when both switches are in use, particularly if RGB lighting is a consideration. The translucency of polycarbonate also complements the lighting effects, ensuring vibrant illumination. Thus, regardless of the intensity of usage, users can expect comparable acoustic characteristics when utilizing either switch, thanks to the polycarbonate composition.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge in their materials. Both the Magnetic Jade and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings, known for its ability to absorb sound to create a deeper, fuller audio experience. Nylon's softer characteristics make the bottom housing less resonant than harder plastics, resulting in a duller sound that contrasts with the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top. As a consequence, both switches will exhibit a richer bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressed, but the impact of nylon differs from the clarity of the polycarbonate top, contributing to a layered acoustic experience unique to each switch.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches share fundamental similarities in their top housing, resulting in consistent sound quality and aesthetic appeal enhanced by RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a distinct contrast in their acoustic signatures, with a pronounced depth and warmth. Ultimately, while users can anticipate a similar auditory clarity and aesthetic when utilizing these switches, the combination of materials means that the tonal experience will encompass a richer texture due to the nylon at play, providing a harmonious blend of attributes that caters to various typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, influencing the typing experience. The Magnetic Jade features a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort, while its bottom out force of 55 grams is also medium-light, allowing for a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, demanding more pressure to register a keystroke, which can provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Its bottom out force is slightly higher at 63 grams, reinforcing the heavier nature of this switch. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter feel will likely gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade for longer typing sessions, while those who appreciate a firmer push should opt for the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, which offers a more robust tactile sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who prefer deeper key presses. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference: if you lean towards faster actuation, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the way to go, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more traditional depth.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is characterized by a bright and clacky resonance, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate an auditory response while typing. This sharp, crisp sound not only enhances the overall experience but also adds an engaging layer to every keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches produce a similarly crisp and resonant clack, delivering a high-pitched sound that is both clean and immersive. Users can expect a vibrant auditory experience with both switches, and while the Magnetic Jade is noted for its superior acoustics, the Matcha Green Pro still provides a satisfying sound that many users find compelling. Ultimately, both options promote a dynamic auditory response, adding excitement to each typing session.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch lacks a detailed description; thus, it’s harder to compare directly. However, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its smooth, bouncy, and creamy sensation. These characteristics contribute to a fulfilling typing experience, where users can enjoy a notable rebound and a buttery glide with each keystroke. The Matcha Green Pro's polished and silky finish enhances its overall smoothness, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions. In contrast, without specific details on the Magnetic Jade's feel, it's difficult to ascertain whether it can match the engaging tactile sensations presented by the Matcha Green Pro.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches each offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can cater to different preferences. If you prioritize sound, both switches promise a bright and clean profile, though the Magnetic Jade is touted for its superior acoustics. When it comes to feel, the Matcha Green Pro impresses with its smooth, bouncy nature, while the Magnetic Jade requires further exploration to fully understand its capabilities. Both switches are designed to enhance typing enjoyment, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that provides a bright, clacky sound combined with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option, especially if acoustics are a priority for you, such as when typing or gaming in a setting where sound enhances your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63 grams, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may suit you better, offering a creamy, polished, and bouncy typing experience that delivers gratifying tactile feedback. This switch's resonant sound profile will delight those who appreciate a sharper auditory feedback while maintaining smoothness during keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value acoustic sharpness and lighter keystrokes over a solid, tactile feel with a more responsive touch, creating a truly personalized typing experience.
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