Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct experiences for users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, is favored for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a solid and responsive keystroke that culminates in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, boasts a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility that is pronounced yet not overpowering. While the Matcha Green Pro offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Purple Sakura provides a buttery and mild sound signature. These general characteristics can guide your decision, but diving deeper into the specific qualities of each switch will help you determine the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is evident that both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, when looking at the nylon bottom housings, both keyboards opt for this classic switch housing material. Nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both keyboards share the same polycarbonate top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing with the V3 Matcha Green Pro featuring nylon and the Purple Sakura also utilizing nylon. This split in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the keyboard when typing, as the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the keystroke. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience with their choice of housing materials.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both keyboards creates a distinct sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. The inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials showcase the attention to detail and customization options that are available in mechanical keyboards, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Whether opting for the V3 Matcha Green Pro or the Purple Sakura, users can expect a high-quality keyboard with unique sound profiles based on the chosen housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch have fairly similar actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams, but both have a bottom out force of around 60 grams. This means that while the V3 Matcha Green Pro may require slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be quite similar between the two switches. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. This means that the Sarokeys Purple Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. In practical terms, this means that the Sarokeys Purple Sakura may feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and quick response times. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may provide a slightly deeper typing experience with its longer travel distance, which can be more satisfying for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds that resonate with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct auditory qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro delivering a more pronounced and immersive sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a mild and neutral sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is characterized as buttery, mild, and snappy, offering a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, with the Matcha Green Pro offering a more lively and polished typing sensation, while the Purple Sakura delivers a seamless and gentle keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro provides a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Purple Sakura offers a neutral sound with a buttery and mild tactile experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their needs. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound and bouncy feel or a milder sound and buttery keystroke, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch would be more suitable. Consider your preferences for sound and feel as well - whether you enjoy a clacky and resonant sound or a more neutral sound profile, and whether you prefer a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing feel compared to a buttery, mild, or snappy sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
