Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Kailh Plum offer distinct experiences for users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch known for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is a tactile switch that feels hefty without featuring a significant tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience with a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Matcha Green Pro appeals to those who appreciate a solid and responsive keystroke, the Plum stands out for its weightiness and subtle tactility. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Kailh Plum, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and lighting effects from both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Kailh Plum due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro features a nylon bottom housing while the Kailh Plum also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Kailh Plum switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users may notice subtle differences in sound and typing feel between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Kailh Plum switches due to their use of different bottom housing materials, despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is 63 grams, while the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it heavier. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide a slightly lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch offers a stronger push feel, leading to a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy force category, making them suitable for users who prefer a certain level of resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches are on the shorter side compared to the traditional 4.0mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for its slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Plum switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively similar experience in terms of travel distance, so users can expect similar results from each.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and percussive sounds with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate and enjoyable, suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro leaning towards a more tactile and sharp sound, while the Plum switch provides a subtle and neutral typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with a spring-like feedback sensation, a smooth and buttery feel, a refined finish for reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth key travel. In contrast, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a mild and stepped typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with two stages of tactility compared to the more pronounced characteristics of other switches. Both switches provide unique typing sensations, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro focusing on a more lively and smooth typing feel, while the Plum switch offers a gentle and balanced tactile response.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, appealing to those who seek a tactile and sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch offers a neutral and mild sound with a stepped feel, suitable for users looking for a balanced and gentle tactile response. Both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, with the choice between them ultimately depending on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro with a bottom out force of 63 grams may be more appealing to you. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharp and resonant sound profile with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, the Matcha Green Pro may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch and a neutral sound profile with a mild or stepped typing feel, the Kailh Plum with a bottom out force of 70 grams might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
