Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch that provides a smooth and substantial keystroke experience, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that appeals to typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is also a linear switch known for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Matcha Green Pro is characterized as 'bouncy', 'clacky', and 'resonant', the Polaris Gray is described as 'low-pitched', 'neutral', and 'thocky'. Both switches have their own merits, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a consideration. However, while both keyboards share this common feature, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Despite the shared feature of a polycarbonate top housing, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound experience of the keyboards, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a more muted and rounded sound while the Polaris Gray delivers a clearer and resonant sound. The choice of bottom housing material can play a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound profile of a keyboard.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of each housing material in the keyboards are split between the top and bottom housing. When pressing down on a key, the user will feel the impact of the bottom housing material, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing material. This distribution of housing materials in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray allows for a balanced and dynamic typing experience, with each component contributing to the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Gray switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams in contrast to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a slightly quicker actuation compared to the Polaris Gray. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial key press feel, the Polaris Gray with its 4 mm travel distance may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, but the slight variance may cater to different preferences in terms of key press feel.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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, with sharp and snappy sounds that are clean and sharp. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, with a deep and rich tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Matcha Green Pro. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro leaning towards a brighter and percussive sound, while the Polaris Gray delivers a deeper and more satisfying thud-like sound.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a tactile sensation that is spring-like, smooth, and refined. Typists can expect a lively and buttery typing experience with reduced friction, smooth key travel, and minimal resistance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is characterized by a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable and safe for most users. Both switches focus on delivering a smooth and effortless typing feel, with the Matcha Green Pro emphasizing resilience and rebound while the Polaris Gray opts for a more moderate and refined touch.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. Users seeking a sharp, bright, and crisp sound with a bouncy and silky feel may prefer the Matcha Green Pro, while those looking for a deep, rich, and mellow sound with a polished and mild feel may lean towards the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a sharp, responsive keystroke with resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference for feel and sound.
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