Durock Mamba vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both linear switches. The Mamba switches are lauded for their smooth and gliding typing sensation, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches offer a more substantial and responsive keystroke, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Mamba switches are described as neutral and mild with a thocky and polished feel, the Matcha Green Pro switches are bouncy, clacky, and creamy, with a polished, resonant, and silky finish. Each switch offers its unique advantages, whether you prefer a softer typing experience with the Mamba or a more tactile one with the Matcha Green Pro. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a bright and pleasant sound that is not overly sharp. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. However, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound, with the Mamba leaning towards a brighter tone and the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a higher-pitched sound.
Moving onto the bottom housing materials, the Mamba's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing. POM housings offer a pleasing sound that is on the deeper side, while nylon housings elicit a fuller sound that is rounder and duller. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their bottom housing materials influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro differ in terms of their properties and resulting sound profiles, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a bright and pleasant sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper tone. Similarly, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. In the end, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is influenced by the qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Durock Mamba's unknown force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Durock Mamba requiring 60 grams and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro needing 63 grams. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the maximum force needed to press the keys fully. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, making it potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing resistance and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant in terms of overall performance or feel. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may find the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro to be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and how you prefer the feel of your keyboard keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Mamba linear switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users in various settings. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound experience, giving off a sharp and percussive tone with a clean and sharp profile. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Mamba being more neutral and deep, while the Matcha Green Pro is crisp and bright. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. With a smooth and refined finish, the Mamba switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch boasts a bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys have a lively bounce, giving a sense of rebound when pressed, while also providing a silky sensation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both excel in providing unique sound and feel experiences to users. While the Mamba switch offers a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing styles, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. With their distinct qualities, users can expect satisfying typing sessions with either of these switches, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a gliding sensation and a creamy auditory feedback, the Mamba switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and substantial feel with sharp feedback and resonant clacks, the Matcha Green Pro switch might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, so the decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a neutral and thocky sound profile (Mamba) or a clacky and resonant sound profile (Matcha Green Pro). Additionally, consider if you prefer a mild and polished feel (Mamba) or a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel (Matcha Green Pro). Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing sensation and sound profile.
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