Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for typing and gaming enthusiasts. The Matcha Green Pro switches from Akko provide a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, delivering clear and tactile feedback that many users find gratifying. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch by PH Studio offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound and a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions, with a light bottom-out force of just 43.5g and a stem material that ensures effortless keystrokes. While both switches are polished and silky to the touch, the Matcha Green Pro leans towards being bouncy and clacky, while the Milk Tea is described as high-pitched and marbly. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the PH Studio Milk Tea has a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, with polycarbonate providing a clearer and more resonant sound, while POM offers a softer and more dulled tone. However, if you're looking for a switch with a deeper sound profile, the Milk Tea with its POM top housing might be the better option.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Milk Tea also uses POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both bottom housings provide a fuller sound experience, the choice between nylon and POM will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel during typing.
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it's clear that they offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro will cater to those looking for a sharper and more resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Milk Tea offers a deeper and more muted tone. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the differences are quite pronounced. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience with a slightly heavier touch. In contrast, the Milk Tea offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This makes the Milk Tea ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch and may benefit from reduced hand fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for optimal performance.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each offer a different travel distance experience for users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Milk Tea has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular for their quicker response times, especially favored by gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to users who prefer a specific depth in their keystrokes. The Milk Tea switch may feel slightly more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch may provide a slightly more substantial feeling with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when typing. The Matcha Green Pro switches also deliver a resonant sound, enhancing the immersive auditory experience with higher-pitched tones. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switches add a unique element with a high-pitched sound that is somewhat muted, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. While both switches share some similarities in sound characteristics, the slight differences in pitch and resonance may appeal to different preferences based on the user's auditory preferences.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a lively and smooth response to keystrokes. The polished and silky finish of these switches contributes to reduced friction and effortless key travel. Similarly, the Milk Tea switches also boast a polished and silky feel, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The use of Ly for the stem material in the Milk Tea switches further enhances the overall smoothness of typing, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Overall, both switches provide a premium typing experience with a focus on smoothness and refined key feel.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, it's clear that both options offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics. While the Matcha Green Pro switches excel in providing a sharp and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Milk Tea switches stand out for their high-pitched yet muted sound and polished, silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction from either switch option, ensuring a pleasant typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, along with a sharp and tactile feedback that culminates in resonant clacks, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams, combined with a unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, as well as a design tailored for prolonged typing sessions with ease, then the Milk Tea linear switch could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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