Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Orange offer distinctive experiences, catering to different preferences among users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its smooth and substantial feel, providing typists and gamers with a satisfying bottom-out that delivers clear tactile feedback and resonant clacks. This switch is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, making it ideal for those who thrive on a more responsive keypress experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, reissued with the enhancements of the MX2A generation, tap into a nostalgic appeal while still meeting modern demands. Although they lack specific categorization, Cherry switches are renowned for their reliability and performance, appealing to those who prioritize consistency in their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, and while the Matcha Green Pro tempts with its playful acoustics and tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange ensures a dependable performance. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange switches utilize different materials for their top housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic appearances. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This gives it a sharper, crisper sound profile, well-suited for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, creating a vibrant aesthetic that enhances the overall appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and designed to absorb sound, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. While this gives the MX Orange a more muted tone, it contributes to a more rounded auditory experience, preferred by those who prioritize a softer typing sensation.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the MX Orange utilize nylon, which aligns them in terms of producing a similar sound characteristic. The nylon material tends to absorb sound waves, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the brand. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a similar auditory feedback at their bottom-out point, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying and cohesive typing experience. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro’s overall sound profile is more influenced by its polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundation, balancing the auditory feedback across both switches.
In summary, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Cherry MX Orange vary in their top housing material—polycarbonate versus nylon. This difference affects the auditory feedback when typing, with the Matcha Green Pro delivering a higher-pitched and sharper sound due to its stiffer top, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a deeper, rounder tone owing to its softer top housing. However, both switches share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sounding bottom-out experience. This interplay of materials showcases how different combinations of housings can create a range of auditory profiles while maintaining certain characteristics, leading to varied yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch share the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that both switches require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity can lead to comparable typing experiences for users who prioritize the initial pressing feel. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not available, leaving a gap in direct comparison for that metric. This means that the Akko switch provides a heavier feel when fully pressed down, potentially giving a more substantial experience. Consequently, users looking for a lighter, more manageable typing experience may find the Cherry MX switch appealing—assuming it has a bottom out force that is less than 63 grams. Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier option due to its measurable bottom out force, while the weight of the Cherry MX Orange remains uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that those opting for the V3 Matcha Green Pro can expect a slightly quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor rapid key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, with its more traditional longer travel distance, may offer a more tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, if responsiveness is a priority, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Orange could be preferred by those who value a more pronounced key press.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 easily distinguishable by its lively auditory profile characterized by clacky and resonant tones. The crisp, bright, and percussive sounds produce a delightful auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find engaging and satisfying. The Matcha Green switch promises sharp and snappy responses with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange lacks any specific sound attributes in the provided information. However, it is important to remember that key acoustics can vary based on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels with a combination of bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, leading to an incredibly satisfying typing experience. Users can expect a spring-like rebound with each keystroke, making them feel lively and responsive. The smoothness associated with these switches, potentially enhanced by factory lubricants, allows fingers to glide effortlessly from one key to another, minimizing resistance. This combination of characteristics culminates in a refined and pleasurable tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange's tactile qualities remain unspecified, making it hard to draw direct comparisons in this regard.
In summary, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch stands out with its sharp, clacky sounds and responsive, smooth feel, catering to those who love engaging audio and an enjoyable typing sensation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange offers a less defined auditory profile and lacks available information regarding its tactile characteristics. Ultimately, if you prefer a clearly pronounced sound and a lively feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro will likely provide an experience tailored to your preferences, whereas the MX Orange might offer a different yet unknown tactile feedback that could still suit those seeking quality switches. If you're drawn to auditory engagement and a lively typing experience, the Matcha Greens become an appealing choice, while the MX Oranges present an option that may be more muted and traditionally linear.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you enjoy a more auditory experience with noticeable sound feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is an excellent choice, thanks to its clacky and resonant sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, the bouncy, creamy, and silky feel of these switches makes them ideal for those who appreciate a lively and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter operation without a specified bottom-out force and are drawn to the heritage of Cherry's original designs, the Cherry MX Orange switch might be your go-to option. While details on the feel of the MX Orange are less pronounced, the brand's reputation suggests a reliable and consistent typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize a steady and familiar performance in their keyboards. Ultimately, your final choice should reflect your typing habits, the tactile sensations you enjoy, and the sound profile that complements your working or gaming environment.
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