Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver present two enticing options for different typing experiences. The Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its smooth and substantial feel, offering a bouncy and clacky response that many typists and gamers appreciate. Its design provides a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, resulting in a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more resonant and creamy keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver focuses on speed and precision, featuring a short travel distance and feather-light actuation that makes it perfect for users who prioritize quick responses. With its thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, the Smoothie Silver is well-suited for both gaming and fast-paced typing. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver each incorporate different materials in their housing construction, which significantly impacts their sound profiles and overall feel during use. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the material. This translucency is beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal that enhances visual enjoyment while typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver opts for a POM top housing, which offers a deeper, more muted sound that lends itself to a unique auditory experience. Though both switches utilize different materials, this variation allows for distinct textual feedback and responses, catering to different user preferences.
When examining the bottom housings, the V3 Matcha Green Pro employs nylon, while the Smoothie Silver uses POM. The nylon in the V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned as a classic switch housing material, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound efficiently. This results in a rounder auditory experience, contributing to an overall typing feel that many users appreciate. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver also generates a pleasing and notable sound but tends to lean toward a more muted approach. The inherent differences in these materials highlight the distinctive audio feedback, even though both are designed to offer enjoyable typing experiences.
Ultimately, even though the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver utilize different materials in their housings, the outcome can still yield comparable typing experiences depending on user preferences. The polycarbonate in the top housing of the Matcha Green Pro enhances brightness in sound, while the nylon bottom houses a deeper resonance. Meanwhile, the POM materials in the Smoothie Silver provide a satisfying auditory experience but with a different texture due to the distinctions in material properties. Users seeking clarity may prefer the Matcha Green Pro, while those who favor a deeper sound may find the Smoothie Silver more appealing. The interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch ultimately shapes the user experience, offering a wide range of choices for those exploring mechanical switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight option that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for smoother and less strenuous typing, perfect for longer sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is not specified, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly. Overall, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is heavier compared to the Smoothie Silver in terms of actuation force, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the lighter force of the Smoothie Silver may be favored by those seeking ease of typing over extended periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences among users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Matcha Green Pro will provide a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a deeper keystroke. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance can enhance responsiveness, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation for faster response times. Therefore, if you value a more tactile and deeper feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the ideal choice, while those seeking speed and agility might lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 produces a distinctly clacky and resonant audio profile. Users can expect a sharp, snappy sound upon actuation that is both crisp and immersive, with a higher-pitched tone that adds to the auditory experience. This sound quality can be refined further based on the keyboard build and keycap choices. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is noted for its thocky sound, characterized by depth and fullness, although specific descriptors for the Smoothie Silver sound weren't explicitly mentioned. Therefore, it can be said that while both switches may deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the Matcha Green Pro leans towards a brighter sound, while the Smoothie Silver falls into the category of a deeper, thockier acoustical experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offers an impressive combination of bouncy and creamy qualities, providing a lively yet smooth typing experience. Users enjoy the elastic feedback, allowing for a satisfying rebound effect upon pressing the keys, while the creamy sensation adds a buttery, effortless glide across the keystrokes. There’s an element of refined elegance in its polished and silky characteristics, ensuring a reduced friction feel throughout typing sessions. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, characterized by its short travel distance, promises unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, making it ideal for rapid typing and gaming. While the feel descriptors for the Smoothie Silver aren't specified, it’s likely that its design seeks to rival the smoothness offered by the Matcha Green Pro.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro excels with its clacky, resonant sound and a well-rounded feel that balances bounce and smoothness, making it versatile for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver focuses on speed and smooth actuation, appealing to users looking for quick responses and a lightweight touch. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but either switch will likely provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile and engaging experience with a satisfying bottom-out feedback, the Matcha Green Pro is the way to go. These switches deliver a solid, responsive keystroke with a clacky, resonant sound that enhances the overall auditory experience, making them ideal for both typists and gamers who enjoy a lively touch on their keyboards. On the other hand, if you're in search of rapid, effortless actuation and a smooth, feather-light feel, the Smoothie Silver will serve you well. These switches offer a unique short travel distance that caters to speed and smoothness without any overwhelming resistance, perfect for gamers who require quick response times for intense gameplay. Therefore, your decision should reflect how you balance your need for tactile feedback against the desire for speed and ease in your typing experience.
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