Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with attractive pink and clear housings adding to its appeal. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro leans towards a bouncy and clacky feel, while the Strawberry tends to be low-pitched and buttery. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the KTT Strawberry feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its top housing, providing a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout.
While both keyboards share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their bottom housings vary significantly in material composition, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to different preferences in typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures a cohesive and uniform sound profile that emphasizes sharpness and clarity. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
The split between top and bottom housings in a switch allows for a diverse range of sound qualities that are felt differently when typing. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is emphasized in the V3 Matcha Green Pro with its nylon material, offering a deeper and fuller experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry's consistent use of polycarbonate top and bottom housings enhances the sharp and crisp sound profile throughout the keystroke. Whether you prefer a blend of sharpness and depth or a consistent sharp sound, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences based on the material composition of their housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 43 grams of the Strawberry, making it the heavier option. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro requiring 63 grams and the Strawberry needing 62 grams. This means that despite the difference in actuation force, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Strawberry may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Strawberry's 4 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a quicker actuation point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being the shorter option and the Strawberry providing a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial key press.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with clear, crisp feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro offering a sharper sound and the Strawberry providing a more relaxed sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a range of tactile sensations from spring-like feedback to smooth and buttery typing experiences. The KTT Strawberry linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced resistance or friction. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort through their unique tactile characteristics, with the Matcha Green Pro focusing on lively feedback and the Strawberry prioritizing a fluid typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a sharp and resonant sound with a range of tactile sensations from bouncy to silky, the Strawberry focuses on a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Matcha Green Pro for a sharper, more tactile experience or the Strawberry for a smoother, more fluid typing feel. Additionally, pairing these switches with the right keyboard and keycaps can further enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams, along with a sharp and satisfying keystroke with resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force of 62 grams, along with a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance with a lower-pitched sound profile, the KTT Strawberry may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and characteristics, so it comes down to your personal preference and typing style.
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