Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Semi Mute 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 Semi Mute both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its smooth and substantial keystrokes, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks that appeal to typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute, despite its name, offers completely silent operation with advanced dampening technology for a noise-free typing experience. While the Matcha Green Pro is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, the Semi Mute is described as buttery, mild, muted, and neutral. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for noise level, typing feel, and overall experience; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Semi Mute share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches feature a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the utilization of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of the material that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile that complements the qualities of the top housing.
The choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. With the V3 Matcha Green Pro, users can expect a balance between a sharp, crisp sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute offers a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout, thanks to the polycarbonate material used in both the top and bottom housing. While this may provide a more uniform typing experience, some users may prefer the variance in sound that comes from having different housing materials.
In summary, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Semi Mute showcase the importance of housing materials in customizing the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, thanks to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon, while the Semi Mute provides a consistently clear and resonant sound profile with polycarbonate throughout. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch. The V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, while the Semi Mute only requires 43 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Semi Mute will offer a lighter typing experience better suited for longer periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being the shorter option and the KTT Semi Mute being the longer option.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is best described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp and percussive sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound, minimizing noise with a softer and quieter operation suitable for those who prefer a noise-free environment. While the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a more resonant and clacky sound, the Semi Mute switch provides a more subdued and muted typing experience, making it ideal for late-night sessions or shared workspaces.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, giving users a lively and smooth keypress with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and gentle keystroke that is approachable to most users. While the Matcha Green Pro switch offers a more varied and refined typing experience with different sensations, the Semi Mute switch focuses on providing a consistent and effortless typing sensation for general use.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and KTT Semi Mute linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro switch is ideal for those who enjoy a sharp, clacky sound and a variety of tactile sensations, while the Semi Mute switch is perfect for users who prioritize a noise-free environment and a consistent, gentle typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch based on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switch with its silent operation and comfortable linear actuation may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, consider your preferences for sound (clacky and resonant vs. muted and neutral) and feel (bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky vs. buttery and mild) when making your decision. In the end, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best fits your typing style and environment.
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