Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Huano Sakura (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Huano Sakura (V2) 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 Huano Sakura exemplify distinct approaches to linear switch design, catering to different preferences and usage scenarios. The Matcha Green Pro stands out for its smooth and substantial feel, delivering a solid and responsive keystroke that typists and gamers relish. This switch is characterized by its bouncy and clacky nature, providing a satisfying bottom-out experience and resonant acoustics that many users find engaging. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are designed for a feather-light touch, making them particularly appealing for long typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. With their medium acoustics, they strike a balance between a quiet operation and enjoyable sound, catering to users who may prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's needs. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Huano Sakura, it's evident that while there are distinct differences in their top housings, their bottom housings share similarities. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant output, making it particularly appealing for users who favor RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also strong and durable, offers a different auditory experience that leans towards smoothness with a clacky sound profile. The POK material's higher coefficient of friction provides a unique tactile feedback that differs from polycarbonate's sharpness.
On the other hand, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which creates deeper and fuller sound profiles. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller sound that many typists enjoy. This shared nylon bottom housing establishes a common auditory foundation for both switches, meaning that even if the top housings create different sound profiles, the bottoming out sound and feel will be consistent across both models. In this case, the benefits of nylon, such as its ability to soften the overall sound, lead to a comparable bottom-out experience when using either switch.
Overall, the combination of distinct materials in the top housings and the shared nylon in the bottom housing illustrates how each switch can provide a unique typing experience based on the varying sound profiles of their respective materials. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top, the Huano Sakura's POK material gives a smoother and clackier response. Still, the nylon bottom in both switches provides a reliable base, ensuring that typists will experience some uniformity in their bottoming-out acoustics, regardless of their choice between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch with its actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63 grams to the Huano Sakura linear switch, which has a considerably lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, it becomes evident that these switches cater to different user preferences. The Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with a medium weight feel, likely appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch for enhanced tactile feedback during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sakura switch, with its light actuation and bottom out forces, allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes, making it more suitable for users who favor comfort over the heft of a heavier switch for extended durations. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter and easier typing experience, the Huano Sakura is the better option, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Sakura measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Sakura the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize quicker response times. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more nuanced feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a faster reaction with less movement, the shorter Sakura switch will align with that preference, while the longer V3 Matcha Green Pro may suit those who enjoy a deeper keypress.
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 Huano Sakura (V2) comes in at $4.59 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 switches stand out for their clacky and resonant character, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Their bright, percussive tones contribute to an immersive typing atmosphere that adds a layer of engagement when using the keyboard. In contrast, while the Huano Sakura linear switch's specific sound profile is unknown, it is noted for its medium acoustics, suggesting a more subdued auditory experience, potentially leading to quieter typing sessions ideal for extended use.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is characterized by a bouncy and creamy touch that enhances the overall typing experience. Users will appreciate the springy feedback combined with a silky smoothness that reduces friction and promotes effortless keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for both typists and gamers looking for responsiveness. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Huano Sakura switches are currently unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how they compare in tactile satisfaction.
In summary, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches provide a vibrant auditory experience coupled with an engaging tactile feel, making them a compelling choice for those who enjoy a dynamic typing environment. While the Huano Sakura linear switches promise a softer sound due to their medium acoustics, specifics about their tactile quality remain undetermined. Ultimately, if sound and feel are your primary focus, the V3 Matcha Green Pro will deliver an exhilarating typing experience, whereas the Sakura switches may offer a quieter alternative better suited for long hours of quiet productivity.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Huano Sakura linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a bit of auditory flair, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams provides a responsive and satisfying feel, making it well-suited for both gaming and typing. The clacky and resonant sound profile adds an engaging auditory layer that many typists and gamers find appealing during intense sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch and comfort over long typing periods, the Huano Sakura with its 45 grams of bottom-out force could be your go-to. These switches are designed for extended use, offering a soft and smooth experience that minimizes finger fatigue. This makes the Sakura ideal for those long coding marathons, writing sessions, or general office work. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—if it's a dynamic auditory and tactile experience, go for the Matcha Green Pro; but if you value comfortable, effortless keystrokes for prolonged use, the Huano Sakura is the key to your typing bliss.
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