Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and HMX Poro both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its bouncy, clacky feel, delivering a robust bottom-out that provides clear tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy a more substantial keystroke response. Its polished design leads to resonant clacks, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro focuses on delivering silky smooth keystrokes with an ultra-light actuation force, allowing for effortless gliding across the keyboard. This results in a more muted sound profile, which some users may find preferable for long typing sessions or quieter environments. While both switches are linear and have their distinct appeal—one leaning towards a responsive and dynamic feel while the other emphasizes smoothness and ease of use—each can significantly enhance your typing experience in different ways. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Poro reveal distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly suitable for users who favor a bright auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, this translucent material is advantageous for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
In contrast, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Poro utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials. As a result, users can expect a more muted and rounded auditory experience with both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and typing feel, providing a cushioned experience that many users find enjoyable. Therefore, regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches offer a rich tactile feedback and sound profile due to their shared bottom housing material.
When considering the combined effects of these housing materials, it becomes clear that the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and HMX Poro cater to different preferences while still providing appealing typing experiences. The unique combination of the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the nylon bottom housing creates a balance between a bright and clear auditory feedback upon key release and a deep, rounded sound during bottoming out. On the other hand, the Poro's nylon top housing results in a more uniform sound profile, which may appeal to users who prioritize a consistent typing experience over sharp feedback. Ultimately, while the materials differ, the incorporation of nylon in both switches creates a foundation for a satisfying, full-bodied sound profile, ensuring that users can enjoy a desirable auditory experience with either option.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The V3 Matcha Green Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. Conversely, the HMX Poro stands out with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Poro a better choice for those who prefer a lighter, more effortless keystroke, which can minimize fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer key press. Overall, if you enjoy a lighter touch, the HMX Poro is the clear winner, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro caters to those who favor slightly more resistance.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Matcha Green Pro provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, potentially offering a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a heartier feel. In contrast, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel distance caters to those seeking a quicker activation, which may benefit gamers who prioritize rapid response times. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, suggesting that users who choose either will notice quicker actuation in their typing or gaming, though the Matcha Green Pro will deliver a marginally deeper press.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches is characterized by its resonant and clacky tones, producing a sharp, crisp sound that is both immersive and satisfying. The bright percussive quality of these switches enhances the auditory experience, making each keystroke feel impactful. While the sound of the HMX Poro linear switches isn’t detailed, their description suggests an overall poppy and clacky sound profile, which implies that they also provide a joyful acoustic feedback, similar to the Matcha Greens. However, the exact nuances of their sound are not available, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison beyond their shared clackiness.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a lively experience with descriptors like bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These qualities contribute to a pleasant typing sensation that combines a spring-like feedback with an exceptionally smooth glide. The lubricant applied at the factory enhances this experience, resulting in reduced friction and an effortless typing motion. The HMX Poro switches are noted for their silky smooth keystrokes, meticulously lubricated to ensure an effortless glide, which suggests a similarly smooth feel. However, without additional information about specific tactile feedback or spring characteristics, it's challenging to ascertain how they compare directly in terms of overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and HMX Poro linear switches share similarities in their clacky sound profiles and smooth feel, they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro provides a solid, responsive keystroke with a satisfying bottom-out experience, making it appealing to both typists and gamers, while the Poro is geared towards a smoother glide that may attract those who prioritize ease of use and fluidity in their typing. Though they may yield similar auditory and tactile results, the individual nuances might help you choose the one that best suits your typing or gaming style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be your ideal switch. With its bouncy and polished feedback, it provides a satisfying clack, making it great for both typists and gamers seeking tactile responses and resonant sound profiles. However, if you lean towards lighter keystrokes with effortless actuation, the HMX Poro's 50 grams of bottom-out force and silky smooth operation might be more appealing. The Poro switches are designed for those who appreciate a more muted auditory profile with a noticeable yet softer feedback, perfect for long typing sessions or quieter environments. In summary, consider the Matcha Green Pro for a robust and auditory-rich experience, while choosing the HMX Poro for a smooth and light typing feel. Your ultimate choice should align with how you envision your mechanical keyboard experience.
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