Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, we see two exceptional linear switches with their own distinct qualities. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is praised for its smooth and substantial feel, offering a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red retains the familiar characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Matcha Green Pro is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the MX Silent Red is recognized for its muted and thocky typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red, it is evident that both switches use nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizing polycarbonate while the Cherry MX Silent Red uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, providing a different typing experience for users.
The choice of housing materials also impacts the overall typing experience on these switches. With the V3 Matcha Green Pro, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt more during bottom-out, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing will be more noticeable when releasing keys, creating a distinct sound profile for each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings ensures a more uniform typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between a sharper, crisper sound profile with the V3 Matcha Green Pro or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Cherry MX Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings to produce a deep and full sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing, which offers a duller and rounder sound. The difference in top housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro emphasizing key release sound and the Cherry MX Silent Red offering a consistent typing experience throughout. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Akko switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a lighter touch for longer typing periods or extended gaming sessions. Both switches have their benefits depending on personal preference, with the Akko being heavier and the Cherry MX Silent Red being lighter. Overall, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular among gamers seeking fast response times. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a slightly shorter travel distance, appealing to those who prioritize quick and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant nature, providing a sharp and immersive auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted, thocky sound profile that is significantly quieter than traditional mechanical switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro will give you a more pronounced and vibrant typing sound, whereas the MX Silent Red focuses on minimizing noise for a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feedback, offering a smooth and substantial typing experience with a lively bounce and reduced friction. In comparison, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially providing a more tactile sensation with noticeable friction when pressed. The V3 Matcha Green Pro will give you a more refined and buttery feel, while the MX Silent Red may offer a slightly rougher texture for those who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a sharp and resonant sound profile as well as a smooth and substantial feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so consider your preferences for sound and feel before making a decision. Ultimately, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with differing characteristics in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and substantial typing experience with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heftier feel with a silent operation, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be a better fit. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel when typing, the characteristics of the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches would cater to your preferences. However, if you prefer a textured feel with noticeable friction, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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