Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) 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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch known for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch designed for those who prefer a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Matcha Green Pro is bouncy, clacky, and resonant, the Silent T1 is stepped, accented, and muted. Overall, if you prioritize a solid and responsive keystroke with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Matcha Green Pro may be the right choice for you. However, if you desire a tactile switch that combines both tactile feedback and silent operation, the Silent T1 could be more suitable. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's relatively stiffer nature. This characteristic lends itself well to switches that prioritize a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. In this aspect, both switches offer a similar sound profile and visual appeal when utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings.
On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro comes equipped with a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a more subdued and rounder sound when typing on the switches, offering a different auditory experience compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing on the switches. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel.
In terms of overall performance, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share similar characteristics in their top and bottom housing materials, such as the use of polycarbonate for a sharper sound profile and nylon for a fuller sound, the slight variations in design and construction may result in subtle differences in typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality build and a unique sound signature, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customizable and responsive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Matcha Green Pro is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. While the actuation force of the Silent T1 is not specified, both switches offer a medium actuation force, resulting in a similar typing experience in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent T1 provides a bit more depth and tactile feedback with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being the shorter option and the Durock Silent T1 being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 known for producing clacky and resonant noises, giving users a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, significantly reducing noise and making it suitable for quiet environments. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, you can expect distinct sound characteristics from each switch.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is often described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing users with a lively, smooth, and refined typing sensation. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is characterized as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild yet prominent tactile feedback coupled with a smooth typing experience. Both switches present unique tactile feedback that caters to different typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro switch delivers a sharper and more resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Silent T1 switch provides a quieter noise output along with a stepped and accented tactile feel. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound levels and tactile feedback, as both can provide an enjoyable typing experience tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp, resonant clack sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a muted sound with a stepped, accented, or polished feel, while also prioritizing a tactile and silenced typing experience, then the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch may be more suitable for your needs and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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