Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and substantial feel, providing a sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is praised for its classic budget switch status, embodying smoothness and buttery goodness with a low, "thocky" sound and satisfying resistance. While the Matcha Green Pro leans towards a bouncy and clacky experience, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a bassy and buttery feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In this aspect, both switches would provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housings, the V3 Matcha Green Pro uses polycarbonate while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) employs nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon in the top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro would offer a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing. This means that the sound when letting go of a key would differ between the two switches due to the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
In conclusion, while both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the difference in their top housings results in a distinction in sound profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a crisper sound and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) providing a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro at 63 grams and the Milky Yellow Pro at 62 grams. This means that while the V3 Matcha Green Pro may require a slightly heavier initial push, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be very similar between the two switches. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the Milky Yellow Pro may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and the overall typing experience they are seeking.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking speed. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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 switch is known for its clacky and resonant qualities, providing a sharp and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, giving a deeper and richer auditory sensation. Both switches excel in providing a unique sound experience, with the Matcha Green Pro leaning towards a crisper and brighter tone, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the kind of sound profile the user finds more appealing.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively rebound and a smooth, buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is characterized as buttery and occasionally textured, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with the possibility of a subtle friction when pressed. Both switches prioritize smoothness and a satisfying keystroke, catering to users who value a premium typing feel. Choosing between these two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a more spring-like bounce or a smoother, textured typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that appeal to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Matcha Green Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch delivers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound along with a buttery and possibly textured typing experience. Both switches are suitable for typing and gaming, offering a range of subjective qualities that cater to diverse user tastes. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a personal keyboard setup will provide the best insight into which switch better suits individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro if you prefer a solid and responsive keystroke with sharp bottom-out feedback, resonant clacks, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel. On the other hand, opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) if you desire smoothness, low-pitched or thocky sound, and a buttery or textured feel that excels in both gaming and typing applications. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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