Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Mint, both of which are linear switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth and substantial feel, delivering a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with clear tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the KTT Mint offers a smooth linear switch experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, providing a light and fleeting typing feel. The Matcha Green Pro is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', while the Mint is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may suit different preferences, making it important to discern which qualities are most important to you in a switch. 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
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Mint, it is clear that they both use polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature for both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Mint.
However, the key point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing material of the switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mint also features a nylon bottom housing, so users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
In terms of functionality, the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches is split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether using the V3 Matcha Green Pro or the Mint, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force are key factors to consider. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in comparison. The V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a slightly heavier typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Mint offers a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have a slight difference in travel distance. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Mint may provide a slightly more substantial key press experience compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel. If you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better option. However, if you prefer a slightly more substantial key press, the KTT Mint may be more to your liking.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 sharp and snappy tones with a higher-pitched sound profile. This creates an immersive auditory experience that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various purposes. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the V3 Matcha Green Pro will deliver a crisper and more percussive sound compared to the Mint.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities translate to a spring-like feedback sensation, smooth and buttery keypresses, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth typing feel. On the contrary, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While both switches share the polished attribute, the V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out for its bouncy and silky qualities that enhance the overall typing comfort.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Matcha Green Pro delivers a sharper and more resonant sound, along with a bouncy and silky feel that appeals to users seeking a responsive and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, coupled with a mild and polished typing feel that caters to a wider range of users. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel, then the KTT Mint linear switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing experience you value most.
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