Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron 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 Smoothie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth and substantial feel, featuring a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that provides clear and tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch at an affordable price point. Each switch is categorized by distinct qualities such as 'Creamy' and 'Silky', or 'Buttery' and 'Thocky', appealing to users with varying preferences. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Smoothie both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, albeit with varying tones and pitches.
Furthermore, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the POM bottom housing of the Gateron Smoothie also play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to a similarly deep and muted sound profile. While the bottom housings of these switches differ in material, they both offer a rich and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In comparison, the Smoothie's POM top housing may not offer the same level of translucency for RGB effects. However, both switches excel in providing a unique sound experience, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Smoothie presents a deeper and more muted tone. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and design, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch also requires more force at 63 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Akko switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Gateron Smoothie offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, and the Gateron Smoothie catering to users who like a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance, with the Smoothie being slightly shorter than the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 its clacky and resonant nature, providing a sharp, percussive sound that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, giving a deeper, bass-heavy tone when typing. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro leaning towards a brighter and crisper sound while the Smoothie delivers a more mellow and deep auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a sharp clack or a smooth thock in your keyboard sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth, buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is characterized by its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches excel in delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Matcha Green Pro emphasizing a lively and rebounding feel while the Smoothie focuses on a fluid and uniform keystroke sensation. Whether you prefer a bouncy and polished feel or a buttery and silky touch will determine which switch suits your typing style and preference.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Matcha Green Pro provides a clacky, resonant sound and a bouncy, creamy typing feel, the Smoothie delivers a thocky, low-pitched sound and a buttery, silky typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a sharp, percussive sound with a lively key response or a deep, mellow sound with a smooth, effortless keystroke. Whichever switch you choose, both the Matcha Green Pro and Smoothie are sure to enhance your typing experience with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a medium bottom out force, a clacky and resonant sound profile, and a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, along with a buttery, creamy, or silky typing experience, then the Gateron Smoothie might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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