Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top are both linear switches with their unique characteristics. The Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and solid keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a responsive and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed for quiet and discreet typing, making them perfect for office environments. While the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the Mountain Top switches offer a subtle and light actuation with a subdued sound signature. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top differ in terms of their properties and the resulting sound profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting because of its translucency. On the other hand, the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. While both materials are known for their durability, they offer distinct auditory experiences for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top use nylon. This material is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the typing experience on both switches is likely to have a similar feel and sound when it comes to the bottom housing. While the switches may differ in terms of design and aesthetics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience regardless of the brand or model.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top may use different materials for their top and bottom housing, they both aim to provide users with a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. Users can choose between these options based on their preference for sound and aesthetics, knowing that both materials offer durability and a premium typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a higher actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making it a heavier option. Similarly, the bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is 63 grams, while the Mountain Top requires only 50 grams, making it lighter. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Mountain Top provides a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a heavier or lighter actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Comparatively, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance than the Matcha Green Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing may opt for the longer travel distance of the Matcha Green Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing 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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to the sound of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, users can expect a clacky and resonant experience that produces sharp and snappy sounds with a higher-pitched profile, resulting in an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is known for a more neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of actuation force and sound suitable for a variety of environments, including office settings. While both switches provide different auditory experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the surrounding environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is characterized by its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a range of tactile sensations from spring-like feedback to smooth and buttery keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel, combining gentle resistance with responsive feedback for a comfortable typing experience. While the Matcha Green Pro leans towards a more luxurious and refined typing feel, the Mountain Top focuses on ease of use and comfort, catering to different user preferences based on tactile feedback.
Taking all available information into account, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences and environments. The Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with resonant clacks, appealing to those looking for a premium and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top prioritizes a quiet yet light actuation with easy-to-press keys, making it ideal for discreet typing in office settings. Ultimately, whether you prefer the luxurious and resonant feel of the Matcha Green Pro or the comfortable and easy-to-use design of the Mountain Top, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and environment. If you enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and balanced sound signature would be more fitting. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to personal preferences for feel, sound, and intended usage.
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