Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch are two popular options worth considering. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth and substantial feel, offering a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback for typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile. While the Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Duck switch is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Duck, we can see that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro uses a nylon bottom housing to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Duck sticks with polycarbonate for its bottom housing for a consistent sharp and clear sound profile.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the bottom housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the crisper sound produced by the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. This variation in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience and preference for users. However, both switches maintain a level of consistency by using polycarbonate for the top housing, ensuring similar sound characteristics when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Duck plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in the bottom housing material, resulting in distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller one, understanding the impact of housing materials can help you choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Duck has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Both switches have a medium level of force required for actuation and bottoming out, providing a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for long sessions, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better choice, while the SP-Star Duck would be more suitable for individuals seeking a more substantial push when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Duck offering a slightly deeper key press experience. Gamers seeking faster response times may gravitate towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press feeling may lean towards the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in regards to travel distance and key press experience.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds with a higher-pitched and clean auditory profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirements, making it suitable for various uses. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Matcha Green Pro being more pronounced and resonant, while the Duck switch provides a more subtle and gentle typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, providing a lively and buttery feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience, delivering a more gentle and uniform sensation with reduced friction. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing feel, with the Matcha Green Pro delivering a more bouncy and spring-like feedback compared to the Duck switch's approachable and mild characteristics.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro provides a sharper and more resonant sound with a bouncy and silky typing feel, the Duck switch offers a more neutral and mild sound profile with a buttery and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and sharper sound, while the Duck switch appeals to users looking for a gentler typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke with sharp feedback and resonant clacks, the Matcha Green Pro switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switches may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for feel and sound when typing.
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