Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as compelling linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth, substantial feel coupled with a sharp bottom-out that delivers satisfying tactile feedback, making it a favorite among both typists and gamers seeking a clacky and resonant experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a medium-weight design crafted from durable POM material, striking an impressive balance between affordability and exceptional smoothness, providing a thocky sound profile that feels substantial yet refined. While the Matcha Green Pro intrigues with its pronounced feedback and vibrant acoustics, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and a more muted sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, key differences emerge, particularly between their top housing components. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer structure. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the key is released, making it a great choice for those who appreciate an articulate auditory experience, especially in RGB lighting setups where translucence can enhance the aesthetic. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which is characterized by its deeper, more muted sound profile. While POM can still produce unique and pleasing sounds, it does so with a somewhat softer impact, resulting in a sound that may seem less distinct compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
The bottom housing of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is crafted from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition helps absorb sound, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience at the bottom-out point of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing, which similarly features a unique sound profile but leans toward a deeper and more muted quality. This alignment in bottom housing sound perception suggests that, while the materials differ, both switches are capable of producing a satisfying auditory experience rooted in their bottom designs, albeit with distinct tonal qualities.
When considering the overall sound experience of these two switches, it is essential to recognize how the differing materials interact differently at the top and bottom of each switch. While the nylon of the V3 Matcha Green Pro employs its properties to deliver a pronounced bottom-out feel, the POM used in both the Sea Salt Smoothie top and bottom housing offers a consistency in sound that leans towards muteness. Ultimately, if one prioritizes a sharp and clear sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro shines with its polycarbonate top. However, if a more muted and deeper sound is preferred, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out. Despite their differences, each switch's design reflects unique materials that cater to different auditory preferences, ensuring that users will have pleasant tactile experiences regardless of choice.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, giving it a medium weight that might appeal to users who enjoy a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions; however, its bottom out force remains unspecified. This means that while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is clearly the heavier option, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could provide a more effortless feel during use, though its overall bottoming out experience cannot be fully assessed without that metric. Therefore, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those seeking a stronger push should consider the Matcha Green Pro.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a bit more depth in your key presses, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the better option, offering a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter distance, may provide a quicker and more responsive experience, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking a fast response time. Overall, if you prefer a sense of depth while typing, you should opt for the Matcha Green Pro, whereas if you value rapid actuation and a snappier feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more suitable for your needs.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch in terms of sound, the Matcha Green Pro is characterized by its distinct clacky and resonant sound profile. Typists and gamers will find that the switch produces a sharp, snappy noise that is both crisp and bright, delivering an engaging auditory experience. The resonant qualities of these switches also contribute to a higher-pitched sound that enhances the overall typing ambiance. While the sound profile of the Sea Salt Smoothie has not been explicitly described, its construction implies a smooth acoustic performance that may complement the tactile sensations during use. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable auditory feedback, though the Matcha Green Pro stands out for its clacky and crisp resonance.
In terms of feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a rich tactile experience that is bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These qualities contribute to a robust and lively keystroke that offers both responsive feedback and a luxurious, smooth riding experience. The combination of these characteristics makes for a typing sensation that feels effortless and satisfying, whether during long typist sessions or intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie lacks specific descriptors for feel, but given its reputation as a medium-weight switch made from POM, it likely provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. Without concrete details, there's limited information to directly compare feel between the two switches.
In conclusion, each switch presents its unique strengths tailored to different user preferences. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro excels in both sound and feel, offering a pronounced auditory feedback and a richly textured keystroke experience that is particularly inviting for those who appreciate responsiveness and tactile richness. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while not as explicitly detailed in sound and feel, still promises smooth operation thanks to its POM construction, making it a solid choice for those seeking a dependable linear switch. Ultimately, both options can cater to typists and gamers alike, with the Matcha Green Pro appealing more to those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a straightforward, smooth experience without the same level of embellishment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a satisfying, clacky sound and a medium bottom-out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is an excellent option. Its bouncy, polished feel provides an engaging typing experience, perfect for both typists and gamers who appreciate that extra auditory feedback and solid keystroke responsiveness. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes smoothness and a unique thocky sound profile, you may want to lean towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. Known for its buttery feel, this switch strikes a balance between comfort and performance while providing a quieter auditory experience. In essence, choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro for a more dynamic and responsive feel, and go for the Sea Salt Smoothie if you prefer a refined, smooth typing experience with a subtle acoustic signature.
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