Gateron Mars vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches like the Gateron Mars and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, enthusiasts will find that each offers a distinctive typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switch stands out for its innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem combined with a nylon and POM housing, which contributes to a smooth straight linear feel that many users gravitate towards for its consistency and quiet operation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a more dynamic typing experience with their bouncy and clacky characteristics, offering a satisfying sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks that can be particularly rewarding for gamers and typists seeking tactile feedback. While both switches are linear, catering to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or clicky sounds, their unique features may appeal to different users depending on whether they prioritize a quiet, consistent feel or a more responsive and feedback-rich typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro make use of different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Mars features a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the switch industry known for generating a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is softer than many other plastics, allowing it to absorb sound waves effectively and produce a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in material not only alters the auditory feedback of each switch but also affects how they interact with RGB lighting; the translucency of polycarbonate enhances lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for illuminated setups.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ different materials that yield unique sound characteristics. The Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing a muted yet appealing sound profile that is deeper in tone. This material helps to create a softer landing when a key is pressed, adding to the overall pleasant experience. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, on the other hand, incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which shares the hallmark feature of giving a fuller sound profile owing to its sound-absorbing properties. While both switches feature soft and effective sound dampening due to the characteristics of their respective materials, the overall tonal quality of the Gateron design leans towards a richer depth, while the Akko provides a rounder feel.
In summary, the materials used in both the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Mars and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro contribute distinct qualities to their performance. The blend of a nylon top with a POM bottom in the Mars aims for a warmer and more subdued typing experience, while the contrasting combination in the V3 Matcha Green Pro—nylon on the bottom and polycarbonate on the top—results in a more dynamic and brighter output. While they can both achieve satisfying results, the differences in material composition offer users varied tactile and auditory experiences. The impact of each material is felt in unique ways, with the blending of responses from both the top and bottom housings contributing to the overall performance of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Mars switch requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a softer touch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate typing feel. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Mars switch is currently unavailable, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a defined bottom out force of 63 grams, contributing to a firmer keystroke experience upon reaching the end of the key travel. Overall, the Gateron Mars is the lighter option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier switch, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which offers a slightly deeper feel. This means that users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might prefer the Mars switch for its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the longer 3.8 mm distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro more satisfying, providing a more robust tactile experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness, with the Gateron Mars providing a snappier, quicker response and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro delivering a more traditionally hearty feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Mars switches have not been specifically characterized, which leaves their auditory signature unknown. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their resonant clack, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This creates an engaging auditory experience that typists and gamers alike can appreciate. The sound profile is further enhanced by the specific combination of the switch design and the materials used, leading to a clean and sharp auditory cue with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, while the Mars switches lack a specific description, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a rich tactile experience characterized by bounciness, creaminess, and a polished sensation. The bouncy feedback adds a lively responsiveness, making each press feel engaging, while the creamy texture contributes a smooth, buttery typing experience that feels effortless. This silky smoothness enhances the overall comfort during prolonged use, allowing the fingers to glide gracefully across the keys without friction.
In summary, while the auditory qualities of the Gateron Mars switches remain unclear, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro excels in producing a bright and resonant sound that's satisfying to engage with. On the tactile front, the unspecified feel of the Mars switches leaves room for curiosity, whereas the Matcha Green Pro is praised for its bouncy, creamy, and polished characteristics, providing a thoroughly enjoyable typing experience. If you prioritize sound, the Matcha Green Pro will offer a distinctive auditory feedback, and for tactile feel, the familiar outcomes will vary based on personal preferences and expectations.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch should be informed by your personal preferences and keyboard usage. If you value a switch that prioritizes innovation and unique design, the Gateron Mars may be your go-to option; however, be mindful that specific details like the bottom-out force aren't clearly available. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more robust tactile experience characterized by its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, potent auditory feedback, and a delightful bouncy and creamy typing feel. This switch is ideal if you appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke along with satisfying sound profiles that resonate crisply with each press. Ultimately, if you seek a refined, polished typing experience with a bit of auditory flair, the Matcha Green Pro is a great choice, while the Mars may serve you well if you are drawn to its new take on switch design.
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