Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences for users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch, boasting a smooth and substantial feel that appeals to those in search of a responsive keystroke. With a sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, this switch is particularly popular among typists and gamers looking for a gratifying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch known for its versatility and reliability. While lacking in specific standout features, the Crystal Brown switch offers a balanced typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Crystal Brown, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Crystal Brown also opts for a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound quality. While both switches offer similar characteristics with their polycarbonate top housing, the use of different bottom housing materials provides unique typing experiences.
The utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Crystal Brown contributes to their overall sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the differences in the bottom housing material, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro featuring nylon and the Crystal Brown also employing nylon, lead to distinguishable typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs sound differently, resulting in variations in the depth and roundness of the sound produced during typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel experienced by users. While both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Crystal Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches offers distinct typing characteristics. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when keys are released. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience for 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 Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. The V3 Matcha Green Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. The difference in weight between the two switches can affect the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal Brown for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more solid and substantial feel may choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro for a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch which has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Matcha Green Pro offers a quicker key press experience for those who prefer speed and responsiveness, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch provides a slightly deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Matcha Green Pro being on the shorter end and the Crystal Brown being slightly longer, catering to different preferences in key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press speed and depth.
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 Crystal Brown 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
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, offering users a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specified sound description provided. When it comes to feel, the Matcha Green Pro is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing users with a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch does not have any specified feel descriptions available.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a unique combination of a clacky and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, making it a versatile option for those seeking a responsive keystroke with clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks specific descriptions for both sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare to the Matcha Green Pro. However, based on the available information, it is clear that the Matcha Green Pro switch provides a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience that caters to both typists and gamers alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be a great choice for you. Furthermore, if you appreciate a clacky and resonant sound profile along with bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are likely to meet your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a different sound and feel description that the Crystal Brown provides, then the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences and typing style to elevate your overall typing experience.
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