Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each bring unique characteristics to the table that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its smooth and substantial feel, offering a satisfying sharp bottom-out that results in resonant clacks—an ideal choice for typists and gamers who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible response of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on providing a quiet, serene typing experience, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more discreet environment, such as office settings or shared spaces. With its ultra-light bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura ensures effortless key presses, appealing particularly to light typists. Both switches have distinct advantages that can enhance your typing experience, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g showcase a study in contrasts regarding their housing materials. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, enhancing resonance and clarity. Additionally, its translucency enables effective RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for gamers and typists who value aesthetics along with performance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing that is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is well-suited for bright, resonant tones, whereas the nylon top of the Silent Sakura emphasizes a warmer, more muted sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar divergence in material choices and the resulting auditory profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the muddled, rounded sound often associated with softer plastics. This aligns with the expectations for switches that seek a smooth bottom-out experience, thereby emphasizing more muted characteristics during typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g’s polycarbonate bottom housing offers a contrasting effect, introducing a sharper sound profile that complements the overall sound dynamics of the switch. Here, the hardness of polycarbonate results in a crisper auditory experience during the bottom-out phase of key presses, which can enhance the overall feedback felt when typing. As such, both housing materials play a critical role in defining the sound and feel of the switches, creating distinct signatures for each switch.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g differ in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings, users can expect a rich typing experience from both. If one were to combine the sound properties of the V3's nylon bottom housing with its polycarbonate top, they would achieve a unique auditory experience that balances crispness with depth. Similarly, those using the Silent Sakura could find that the mid-range characteristics of both housing materials contribute to a sound profile that suits quieter environments or preferences for subtlety. In essence, despite the differences in materials, both switches can deliver desirable outcomes; a user can tailor their experience based on the specific auditory and tactile preferences provided by the blend of materials in each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a clear distinction arises in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to those who seek a keyboard that allows for prolonged typing sessions with less effort. In essence, the Matcha Green Pro provides a medium resistance, while the Silent Sakura is distinctly lighter, making them suitable for different user preferences. Those who favor a lighter switch may find the Silent Sakura more comfortable, while users who appreciate a firmer push may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference: the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the V3 Matcha Green Pro the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel typical of gaming setups, where faster actuation is beneficial. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial tactile experience, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper engagement with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the feel and response of the keys.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound characteristics, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant auditory profile. Users will experience a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke, punctuated by bright, percussive notes that enhance the typing experience. This switch provides a clean and sharp sound that's likely to resonate through the keyboard, creating an immersive auditory environment that many typists and gamers find rewarding. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is specifically designed for a whisper-quiet experience, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a subdued typing ambiance. While the exact description of its sound is not provided, one can presume it delivers a less intrusive auditory output, similar to the gentle sound of raindrops, aiming for a serene typing experience.
In terms of tactile feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch excels with its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. The bouncy nature offers a spring-like feedback that makes typing both lively and responsive, while its creamy texture provides a smooth and buttery sensation during use. This is complemented by the polished finish that minimizes friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. The silky quality further enhances the overall smoothness, reducing resistance with each keystroke. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch. It remains unclear how typists will perceive its tactile feedback, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in this aspect.
In summary, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is a standout choice for those who appreciate a pronounced sound and a dynamic tactile experience, offering a combination of clarity and responsiveness. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch caters to users seeking a quiet and serene typing environment, though its tactile feedback remains unspecified. Together, these switches showcase the diverse options available in the mechanical keyboard world, with the V3 Matcha Green catering to those who enjoy sound and tactile feedback, while the Silent Sakura appeals to individuals desiring discretion and tranquility.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a more substantial and responsive feel, particularly for gaming or rigorous typing tasks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is an excellent fit. Its 63g bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback with crisp, resonant sounds, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and engaging auditory experience. This switch’s bouncy, creamy, and silky characteristics enhance the overall typing pleasure, appealing to users who appreciate the joy of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you often type in shared spaces or work environments where noise levels need to be kept low, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is perfect for you. Its lighter 43g bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle typing experience without the distraction of loud clicks or clacks. The Silent Sakura's design prioritizes a subdued, quiet environment, making it a wonderful option for light typists or anyone looking to create a serene workspace. In summary, consider the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro for a robust tactile experience with satisfying sound, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is your go-to for a smooth, whisper-quiet typing experience.
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