Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile stand out as two formidable options for users seeking different typing experiences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch known for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, with a jelly-like sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Matcha Green Pro appeals to those who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke, the Medium Tactile is favored for its unique tactile feel and sound profile. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings which are known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience to the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. The softer nylon of the V3 Matcha Green Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This contrasts with the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing, which also provides a deeper sound but with a different tactile feel. Despite the differences in bottom housings, both switches aim to enhance the overall sound and typing experience for users.
As the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in creating the overall sound profile, users can expect varying results when using the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with each material offering unique qualities that contribute to the switch's sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is 63 grams, while the Durock Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, making them suitable for a variety of preferences. The actuation force is crucial for determining how easy it is to press a key, while the bottom out force is significant for the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a clean and sharp sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is praised for its jelly-like sound signature, which suggests a unique and more cushioned sound compared to the sharper tones of the Matcha Green Pro. Depending on the user's preference, the Matcha Green Pro offers a more traditional and crisp sound, while the Medium Tactile provides a softer and possibly more pleasant typing experience for some users.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is lauded for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky qualities, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience that is enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures sleek key travel and minimal resistance. Users who prefer a more pronounced and lively tactile feedback may opt for the Matcha Green Pro, while those seeking a gentler typing experience may find the Medium Tactile more to their liking.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a sharp, clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Medium Tactile stands out for its jelly-like sound signature and a balanced, accented tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel, with both switches guaranteeing a satisfying and rewarding typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63 grams and enjoy a smooth and substantial keystroke with a resonant clack sound, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and appreciate a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Medium Tactile switch may be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and preference for tactility and sound when making your decision between these two switches.
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