Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a linear switch known for its smooth and substantial feel, perfect for those who enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke. This switch offers a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, making it a great choice for both typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch with a different typing experience. While the Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific standout feature like the Matcha Green Pro, it provides a different feel due to its tactile feedback. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, catering 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
pom
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 Maple Leaf, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a dulled and rounded sound compared to switches with stiffer plastics. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using these switches, as the nylon bottom housing will play a significant role in the overall sound profile.
On the other hand, the top housing material of the V3 Matcha Green Pro differs from that of the Outemu Maple Leaf. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonant properties. In contrast, the softer nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf will likely produce a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. This distinction in housing materials will lead to a noticeable difference in the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf offer distinct sound profiles. Users looking for a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Outemu Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of 55 grams, making them light switches that are easy to trigger. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 63 grams, while the Maple Leaf needs 65 grams, making the Maple Leaf switch slightly heavier. The V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a medium typing experience in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Maple Leaf offers a medium-heavy feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the slight variation in bottom out force, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being lighter and the Maple Leaf being slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Maple Leaf switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Maple Leaf switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Matcha Green Pro switch. The difference may seem small, but it could impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch, while those who prefer a deeper and more substantial press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Matcha Green Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing or gaming style.
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 Maple Leaf 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 producing a clacky and resonant sound when pressed, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to compare in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and substantial keystroke with a responsive and lively feel. In contrast, the feel qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this area. However, both switches are likely to provide satisfactory typing experiences, similar to the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch if the feel qualities align. Overall, while the sound and feel of the two switches may differ based on the available information, both are expected to offer a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. The V3 Matcha Green Pro with its 63g bottom out force offers a medium resistance, making it suitable for those who prefer a slightly lighter feel. Its clacky and resonant sound profile, along with its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, provides a satisfying typing experience for both typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf with its 65g bottom out force is a better choice for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier tactile response. While lacking specific sound and feel descriptions, the Maple Leaf switch is favored for its medium-heavy actuation force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and switch characteristics.
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