Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is praised 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 Cold Plum switches stand out for their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a distinct and enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts. While the Matcha Green Pro switches are described as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, the Cold Plum switches do not fall under any specific category. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is evident that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound. This similarity means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar auditory experience, with a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housing materials.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their top housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This contrast showcases how the choice of top housing material can greatly impact the sound output and overall typing experience of a switch.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are divided between the two switches. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Cold Plum will provide distinct tactile and auditory feedback based on their respective housing materials, offering users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both offer a medium actuation force, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro requiring 55 grams and the Cold Plum requiring 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is lighter at 63 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 70 grams, making the Cold Plum a medium-heavy switch. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be preferred by those who like a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, while the Cold Plum may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches provide a good balance between actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Cold Plum. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. In this case, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Outemu Cold Plum would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound profile with a higher pitch that can be quite immersive during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of auditory feedback. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying sound experience, with the Matcha Green Pro offering a more defined clack and resonant sound, while the Cold Plum may have a unique thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This means that users can expect a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery feel, enhanced by reduced friction and a refined finish for a sleek typing experience. The Cold Plum linear switch does not have specific feel descriptors provided, so it is uncertain how it compares to the Matcha Green Pro in terms of tactile feedback. However, both switches are likely to provide a smooth keystroke and satisfying feel, with the Matcha Green Pro offering a more diverse range of sensations for users to enjoy.
Considering the available information, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch stands out for its sharp and resonant sound profile, as well as its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a unique thocky sound profile and may also provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, although specific feel descriptors are not provided. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option, depending on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp bottom-out with resonant clacks, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a smooth typing experience, then the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and what type of typing experience you value most.
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