Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and solid feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Penguin switches offer a silent tactile experience with a rounded tactile bump, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Matcha Green Pro switches are categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Resonant', the Penguin switches are characterized as 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Feathery'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements. 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
43g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko Penguin, we can see that both keyboards utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, especially when used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Penguin opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing mirrors its top housing material, the Penguin also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, further enhancing the deep and full sound profile associated with this classic material.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko Penguin offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Penguin creates a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both keyboards contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact of housing material on the overall typing experience. Whether it's the sharp clarity of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro or the absorbing qualities of nylon in the Penguin, each housing material brings its own distinctive characteristics to the table.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko Penguin comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Penguin provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both keyboards share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile across the board. Whether you prefer the stiffer and clearer sound of polycarbonate or the softer and more absorbing sound of nylon, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience influenced by their choice of housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams, making it require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a lower force of 63 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams, making it slightly lighter to press all the way down. In terms of weight, the Penguin switch leans towards the lighter side, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier feel during typing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko Penguin has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. A shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, which may be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can offer a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits, so selecting the one that aligns with individual preferences will result in a satisfying typing 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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 resonant and clacky characteristics, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a more muted and neutral sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Matcha Green Pro. Depending on your preference for a louder, crisp sound or a quieter, more subtle typing experience, the choice between these switches will affect the auditory feedback you receive while typing.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, combining spring-like elasticity with smooth and buttery key presses. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing feel, with a more gentle and comfortable key press that minimizes finger fatigue. Depending on whether you prefer a more lively, elastic key press or a lighter, smoother typing experience, your choice between these switches will impact the tactile feedback you receive while typing.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro is characterized by its sharp and clacky sound profile, along with a bouncy and creamy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Penguin switch provides a quieter and more subtle sound, alongside a polished and mild feel, suitable for environments where noise reduction and gentle key presses are preferred. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to tailor your typing experience to your liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your priorities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter, muted sound with a polished and feathery feel, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to assess your personal typing style and environment before making a decision.
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