Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Green offer distinct experiences catering to different user preferences. The Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and substantial feel, making it an enticing option for typists and gamers who crave a solid, responsive keystroke. Its bouncy and clacky nature resonates with users who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback and tactile feedback from a pronounced bottom-out. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green provides a quieter typing experience, which can be particularly appealing for those working in shared spaces or sensitive environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. While both switches offer a linear feel and smooth operation, the Matcha Green Pro excels in delivering a pronounced auditory experience, while the Silent Green focuses on a discreet, soft touch. 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
60g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Green both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, contributing to a similar acoustic profile that is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This design choice is intentional, as polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance in the auditory feedback. Being translucent, the polycarbonate housing is also visually appealing when integrated with RGB lighting, allowing the glow to shine through vividly. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches promises that users will experience a comparable sound quality during the release of each key.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro employing nylon while the Silent Green opts for polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing in the V3 Matcha Green Pro affords a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. By absorbing sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Silent Green's bottom housing, the nylon construction creates a rounder auditory experience during key presses. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green maintains a crisper acoustic characteristic, aligning with its top housing for a more consistent sound profile.
When considering the overall performance of each switch, the combination of the different bottom housings will yield distinct tactile experiences. The nylon-bottomed V3 Matcha Green Pro will feel notably softer when bottoming out, generating a more muted sound, while the Silent Green, with its entirely polycarbonate construction, will reinforce the sharpness of sound throughout. Consequently, while users can expect similar crispness from the release phase of both keys due to their like top housings, the overall sound dynamics will vary as a result of the differing materials in the bottom housings. This interplay between the two housing types emphasizes how individual materials influence the acoustic and tactile feedback of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. In contrast, the Silent Green switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This lighter actuation force can make the Silent Green switch more suitable for users who prefer longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. Conversely, the heavier V3 Matcha Green Pro caters to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out forces are relatively close, the differences in actuation force indicate that the Silent Green switch might offer a softer feel, making it ideal for quieter environments, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is likely to provide a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Green linear switches, we find a notable difference. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Green's travel distance is slightly longer at 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Matcha Green Pro, you’ll experience a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gaming and fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Silent Green, with its 4 mm distance, may provide a more solid feel during keystrokes, appealing to users who prefer a deeper travel experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Matcha Green Pro being the shorter option and the Silent Green offering a more traditional, longer travel 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 Outemu Silent Green 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 distinctly stands out with its clacky and resonant auditory profile. Typing on these switches produces a sharp, crisp sound that is both bright and percussive, creating an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. The resonant quality adds an immersive element, giving a higher-pitched sound that is clean and clear. On the other hand, no specific sound characteristics are provided for the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, suggesting that it likely has a more muted sound profile, designed to minimize auditory feedback, making it suitable for quieter environments or for users who prefer discretion while typing.
In terms of feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are celebrated for their bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. This set of descriptors emphasizes a tactile experience rich in responsiveness and smoothness. The bounciness offers a spring-like sensation, contributing to a lively typing rhythm, while the creamy and silky qualities ensure an exceptionally smooth keystroke. The polished finish minimizes friction, allowing for a sleek transition between keys. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green is unknown, but it is reasonable to assume that, being a silent switch, it may prioritize a smoother, more subdued tactile feedback that complements its sound profile.
In summary, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a vibrant sound and an exceptionally pleasing feel, making it well suited for typists and gamers who appreciate engaging auditory and tactile experiences. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, although its specific qualities in terms of sound and feel remain undefined. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lively and satisfying typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro is a solid option, while the Silent Green may serve better in environments where sound minimization is essential. If you desire a switch that balances both qualities, consider your own preferences to find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Green linear switches hinges on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a tactile and engaging experience, with a satisfying sound profile that includes bright, resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the way to go. This switch is perfect for both gamers and typists who enjoy a solid, responsive keystroke and appreciate a lively and bouncy feel to their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you value a quieter operation for work or shared spaces without compromising on a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green is a strong contender. While it lacks the auditory feedback of the Matcha Green Pro, it still provides a pleasant typing feel and a slightly lower actuation force, promoting a serene typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or silence and smoothness in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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