Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, and the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches offer a resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, thanks to their unique design and long pole stem. While the Matcha Green Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Olive is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that may cater 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Olive both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Bsun Olive's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the switch.
On the other hand, both switches feature a POM bottom housing, which results in a similarly deep and muted sound profile. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and deeper sound experience compared to the Bsun Olive's POM bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a softer and more absorbing feel while typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Olive plays a significant role in shaping the sound profiles and typing experiences of the switches. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Bsun Olive provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top and bottom housings. Ultimately, whether you prefer a brighter, more resonant sound or a deeper, more muted sound will depend on your personal preferences when it comes to mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium switch. In comparison, the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some users prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others prefer the heavier feel for more tactile feedback. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be considered the lighter option, while the Bsun Olive is on the heavier side. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Olive has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Matcha Green Pro. Traditionally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered standard, with 3.0 mm being on the shallower end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, which would make the Olive a favorable choice in that aspect. However, for those who prefer a more robust feel and greater depth when typing or gaming, the Matcha Green Pro with its longer travel distance might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 switches are described as clacky and resonant. This means that users can expect a sharp and snappy sound when typing, with a clean and sharp sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches are known for delivering a resonant, deep sound, setting them apart with their unique POM housings. While the specific sound attributes of the Olive switches are not provided, users can anticipate a rich and deep auditory experience that complements the tactile feedback of the switches.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This means users can expect a spring-like feedback sensation, smooth and buttery key presses, reduced friction, and an exceptionally smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This indicates that users will experience a tactile switch with a prominent amount of tactility, firm actuation force, strong and crisp tactile bump, and super responsiveness that makes the typing experience feel more alive.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch offer unique and gratifying experiences for users. While the Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, the Olive switches stand out with their resonant sound and accented, sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and user satisfaction, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smooth and substantial keystroke with sharp bottom-out feedback, along with a clacky and resonant sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound, characterized by a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Bsun Olive tactile switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing or gaming style to enhance your overall experience.
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