Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and substantial keystrokes, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy feel with a frictionless typing experience and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches are categorized as bouncy, but the Matcha Green Pro is also clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, while the Orange is frictionless. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keystroke feel and sound. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Orange, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while both switches share this common feature, the V3 Matcha Green Pro sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the top housing material to maintain a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. This means that the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound associated with polycarbonate is maintained in both the top and bottom housing of the KTT Orange. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro splits its housing materials between the top and bottom, resulting in a dual sound profile when typing and releasing a key, the KTT Orange offers a more uniform sound experience. Whether typing or releasing a key, users can expect a consistent sound profile with the KTT Orange, thanks to the use of polycarbonate in both housing components.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, both switches benefit from the translucent nature of polycarbonate in their top housing. This allows for the diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual experience for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the crisper sound profile of the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic features based on their choice of housing materials, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Orange linear switch. The V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, while the KTT Orange only needs 46 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. The V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange offers a lighter typing experience with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Orange switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. However, some users may find the V3 Matcha Green Pro's slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm to provide a more satisfying key press feel compared to the more abrupt sensation of the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Orange switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 switches are known for their clacky and resonant characteristics, producing sharp, percussive noises that are both crisp and immersive. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Matcha Greens. Both switches will provide satisfying auditory experiences, but the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a sharp, clacky sound or a smoother, lower-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfying rebound sensation. The KTT Orange switches, on the other hand, provide a bouncy and frictionless feel, minimizing resistance and offering a fluid key travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, with the Matcha Greens focusing more on a buttery and silky feel, while the Oranges prioritize a frictionless and bouncy typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches and the KTT Orange linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Greens deliver a sharper, more resonant sound and a creamy, polished typing experience, while the Oranges provide a lower-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, you can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force that provides a solid and responsive keystroke experience with sharp feedback and resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a bouncy and frictionless typing sensation, along with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.