Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch known for its smooth and substantial feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, appealing to those who seek satisfying and silent key presses. While the Matcha Green Pro provides clear tactile feedback and resonant clacks, the Silent Grey delivers a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and specific needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite the similarities in material, the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary depending on other housing components.
In terms of bottom housing, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Silent Grey utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While the nylon bottom housing may contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, other factors such as keycap material and switch mechanism can also impact the typing experience.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings, the final typing experience may be influenced by other factors such as keycap material and switch mechanism. The polycarbonate top housing will impact the sound when pressing and releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials with other components will determine the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, making the Silent Grey lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 63 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams, making the V3 Matcha Green Pro the heavier option for bottoming out. Overall, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a slightly heavier feel during bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing 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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with no specific descriptions provided for sound. Depending on the user's preference for sound, the Matcha Greens may provide a more satisfying and audible typing experience compared to the Silent Grey switches.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a lively, smooth, refined, and exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches provide a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. In contrast, there are no specific descriptions provided for the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. Based on the descriptions provided, the Matcha Green Pro switches seem to offer a more versatile and tactile typing experience compared to the Silent Grey switches.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their clacky and resonant sound profiles, as well as their bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switches provide a quiet typing experience with no specific sound or feel descriptions mentioned. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and audible clacks, then you should choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be the better option for you. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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