Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique qualities to consider. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is lauded for its smooth and substantial feel, ideal for those seeking a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Matcha Green Pro is described as 'bouncy', 'clacky', 'creamy', 'polished', 'resonant', and 'silky', the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'low-pitched', 'neutral', and 'mild'. 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
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it's clear that both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both keyboards will provide a similar experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and Sea Salt Lemon differ slightly. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both keyboards use nylon for their bottom housings, the impact of this material on the typing experience may vary slightly between the two models.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Both keyboards offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their overall performance. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both keyboards are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two keyboards will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch reveals some differences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, making the Sea Salt Lemon the lighter of the two. Additionally, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon only needs 53 grams, indicating that the Sea Salt Lemon is also lighter in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, which offers a gentler actuation and bottom out force. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, both switches provide a medium to medium-light typing experience, depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which is slightly shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The 0.2mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. The V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or those looking for a more immediate typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional tactile feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, so choosing between the two will ultimately come down to individual typing style and comfort.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 is described as producing clacky and resonant sounds, which are sharp, snappy, higher-pitched, clean, and sharp. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is said to have low-pitched and neutral sound profiles, offering a more bass-heavy, mellow tone and a moderate sound suitable for various purposes. Depending on your personal preference and setup, the Matcha Green Pro switches may provide a more audible and lively typing experience compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is noted for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, providing a spring-like feedback, a smooth and buttery typing experience, a refined finish, and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is described as offering a mild typing experience, being more gentle and approachable to most users due to its safe, middle-ground qualities. If you prefer switches with a more pronounced and refined feel, the Matcha Green Pro switches might be the better choice for you.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, it's evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their sharp and resonant sound profiles and bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, appealing to those seeking a lively and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches provide low-pitched and neutral sounds along with a mild typing feel, making them suitable for a wider range of users looking for a softer and more approachable typing sensation. Depending on your preferences, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience, although the Matcha Green Pro is geared towards those who appreciate a more tactile and responsive keystroke, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a smoother and gentler feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with clear tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. Expect resonant clacks and a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. These switches offer a mild typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Ultimately, the decision between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches comes down to your personal preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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