Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique advantages for users seeking a specific typing experience. The Matcha Green Pro switches are renowned for their smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that delivers clear and tactile feedback for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Silent Red switches offer a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. While the Matcha Greens are characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Silent Reds are described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on the specific preferences of the user. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the TTC Silent Red, it is clear that both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material absorbing more sound. Conversely, the Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastics.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the differences in bottom housing materials between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct typing experiences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing provides a rounder and duller sound profile. These variations in sound profiles demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Moreover, the split qualities of each housing material between the top and bottom of the switch highlight the importance of considering how both components contribute to the sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, with the added benefit of enhancing RGB lighting effects. However, the distinct qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing of each switch offer unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile from the V3 Matcha Green Pro or a rounder and duller sound from the Silent Red, both switches showcase how housing materials can influence the overall feel and sound of a keyboard switch. By understanding the impact of different housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. The difference in actuation force may result in a lighter typing experience with the Silent Red switch, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 switch may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Nonetheless, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring similar results in terms of overall key press feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gaming due to their ability to provide faster response times. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience that resonates clearly. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed to offer a muted sound, ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. The Silent Reds deliver a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the more pronounced clacks of the Matcha Greens.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a spring-like feedback with a smooth and buttery typing sensation. The keys are lively and provide a polished finish, reducing friction for a sleek typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by a buttery, mild, and polished feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer smooth and linear keystrokes, they differ in sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a switch with a sharp and resonant sound, the Matcha Green Pro would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a buttery and gentle feel, the Silent Red is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you get the most suitable switch for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a solid, responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile that is perfect for office or shared living space use, the TTC Silent Red is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a clacky and resonant feel with the V3 Matcha Green Pro, or a buttery and mild typing experience with the TTC Silent Red. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing needs.
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