Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its bouncy and clacky feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, appealing to those who enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched "thock" sound, offering a smooth and affordable typing experience. While the Matcha Green Pro excels in providing tactile feedback, the Milky Red Pro focuses on delivering a more subtle and smooth 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profiles of the switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for those looking to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more crisp and resonant sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Milky Red Pro feature nylon materials. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a more muted and rounded sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. While they share the same bottom housing material, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch will vary depending on the top housing material used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a more muted and rounded sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose a switch with a housing material that aligns with their typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. The weight of a switch is significant as it can impact typing speed and comfort. Some users prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions, while others prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a similar feel, but those looking for a slightly lighter touch may prefer the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), while those seeking a bit more resistance may lean towards the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a slightly longer travel distance which may feel more comfortable for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being slightly shorter and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press 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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant qualities, producing sharp and bright sounds with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as bassy and thocky, offering a deeper and richer sound profile reminiscent of a soft thud. Both switches cater to different sound preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro appealing to those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Milky Red Pro provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, offering a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfying rebound effect. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is smooth and fluid. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro's bouncy and polished qualities may appeal to those seeking a livelier feel, while the Milky Red Pro's buttery feel caters to those looking for a uniform and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro is known for its sharp and clacky sound paired with a bouncy and polished feel, providing a responsive keystroke experience. Meanwhile, the Milky Red Pro stands out for its bassy and thocky sound combined with a buttery typing sensation, offering a smooth and affordable option for typists. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you'll want to take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp, clacky sound with a bouncy and silky typing feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, thocky sound with a buttery typing feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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