Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Red, both linear switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists and gamers who enjoy a responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic choice known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Red, one notable difference is the material used for the top housing. The V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in material leads to a different typing experience for users, with the V3 offering a more resonant sound while the MX Red provides a rounder sound.
Another point of comparison between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. Both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Red use nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. While the top housing may impact the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, giving users a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience for users. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a crisper sound profile yet a deep typing experience, while the Cherry MX Red's nylon housing throughout provides a consistently deep and fuller sound. Whether the top and bottom housings are the same or different, the qualities brought by the specific materials will influence the overall sound profile and feel of the switch, catering to different preferences among users.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 63 grams, while the Cherry MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a slightly firmer feel due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the better option, as its lower actuation force can lead to less fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch in terms of travel distance, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Cherry MX Red's 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cherry MX Red being more common. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the V3 Matcha Green Pro a popular choice for gaming setups. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Red for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press response.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp, bright, and percussive sounds with a higher-pitched profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound when pressed, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro being more resonant and clacky, while the MX Red has a deeper and more bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities provide a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery keystrokes, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is described as textured, potentially offering a slightly rougher typing experience with noticeable friction when pressed. While the Matcha Green Pro switch emphasizes a smooth and refined feel, the MX Red delivers a textured sensation that may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro offers a clacky and resonant sound with bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, the MX Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured tactile sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics, ensuring that users will get similar results based on their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and substantial keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile that offers a robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy resonant and clacky sound profiles along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is likely to appeal to you. Conversely, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound profile with a textured feel, the MX Red switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek.
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