Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Piano are both exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is highly praised for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a pleasant gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Matcha Green Pro offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Piano provides a bassy and frictionless feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Piano offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is also ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Durock Piano boasts a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a satisfying and deep sound profile, making it a desirable option for those seeking a distinct typing sound.
In terms of bottom housing material, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Durock Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, also aimed at providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience, each tailoring their housing materials to achieve specific sound characteristics.
While the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Piano feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housing, they both excel in delivering a premium typing experience through their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro or the satisfying deep sound of the POM blend in the Durock Piano, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. In the end, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have some similarities and differences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Piano has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Piano, which has a slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium range, providing a balance between typing for extended periods and a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference regarding typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Piano has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Matcha Green Pro. A 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in the overall feel and response of the switch. Some users may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Matcha Green Pro for quicker response times, especially for gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Piano with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels more comfortable to the individual user.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 characterized by its clacky and resonant nature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound that is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro leaning towards a crisper and brighter tone, while the Piano presents a deeper and more mellow auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys have a lively feel with reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is noted for its frictionless and silky attributes, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches excel in delivering a silky smooth typing feel, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharp and resonant sound of the Matcha Green Pro or the deep and creamy sound of the Piano, rest assured that both switches offer high-quality performance and satisfying keystrokes. With either switch, you can expect a premium typing experience that caters to different tastes and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp, clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a deep, bassy sound with a silky and frictionless feel, then the Durock Piano switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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