Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Pine stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch that offers a smooth and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is also a linear switch known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth key travel, and minimized friction thanks to a factory-lubed finish. While the Matcha Green Pro is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky', the Pine is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. When choosing between these switches, consider whether you prefer a sharper, more tactile experience with the Matcha Green Pro or a smoother, low-pitched feel with the KTT Pine. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Pine, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. Despite this similarity, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the pine's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder, duller sound.
The contrasting materials used for the bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Pine contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile, contrasting with the sharper and crisper sound profile produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine. This difference in sound quality highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience for users. Additionally, the top and bottom housings play different roles in the sound profile of a switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Pine feature polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Pine provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound quality is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Matcha Green Pro is on the heavier side with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Pine switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Pine switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Pine being slightly longer. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the KTT Pine with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for travel distance and how it impacts the typing or gaming 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a richer and deeper auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro being more sharp and the Pine being more mellow in its sound output.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback with smooth and lubricated key travel for a refined typing experience. Similarly, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with factory-lubed switches. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing, with the Matcha Green Pro emphasizing a more bouncy and polished feel, while the Pine focuses on delivering a uniform and fluid keystroke experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and KTT Pine linear switches present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro leans towards a sharper sound profile and bouncier key feel, the Pine excels in providing a mellower sound and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the clacky and resonant Matcha Green Pro switches or the bassy and low-pitched Pine switches to enhance their typing satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth and satisfying keystrokes, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a sharper, more tactile feel with resonant clacks and a medium bottom out force, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, buttery feel with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a bassier, low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Pine switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to prioritize what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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