Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider the key differences in their design and functionality. The Matcha Green Pro switches offer a smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that provides clear and tactile feedback, making them ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, adding a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while still offering a pleasing tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences and specific use cases; 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is clear that they both use different materials for their top housing. While the Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Piano Pro opts for nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in materials contribute to distinct typing experiences for users, with the Matcha Green Pro providing a more high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Piano Pro offers a more rounded and muffled sound.
Despite the contrast in their top housing materials, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller sound. While the bottom housing may not have as much impact on the overall typing feel as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in shaping the sound produced when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Matcha Green Pro's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Piano Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound profile with its sound-absorbing properties. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Matcha Green Pro is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. In contrast, the Piano Pro is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Piano Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Comparing the two, the V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the intended use of the keyboard.
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 V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer a clacky and resonant typing experience. The sharp and snappy sound produced by these switches adds a crisp and bright quality to each keystroke, creating an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the V3 Piano Pro switches are described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These characteristics contribute to a smooth and substantial typing experience, with a lively feel that provides spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. With a buttery and silky sensation, typists and gamers can expect a refined and sleek typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches may have slightly different auditory characteristics, both offer a similar tactile experience with a combination of bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky qualities that result in a satisfying and responsive keystroke. Whether you prefer the snappy sound of the Piano Pro switches or the resonant clacks of the Matcha Green Pro switches, both options provide a premium typing experience for enthusiasts looking for a tactile and auditory pleasure in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63 grams and a smooth, substantial feel with sharp feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is the way to go. This switch is known for its satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro switch is the better choice. This switch offers a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke and maintains a pleasing tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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