Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, and the Durock T1, a tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is lauded for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who value a solid and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock T1 offers a super comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While both switches have their unique characteristics, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is best suited for those who prefer a bouncy and clacky feel, while the T1 is perfect for those looking for a stepped and polished typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is right 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Durock T1, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and resonant properties. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic qualities from both switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Durock T1 also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the V3 Matcha Green Pro and Durock T1 results in a balanced feel and sound profile. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Users can appreciate the thoughtful design of both switches, as the qualities of each housing material contribute to a satisfying typing experience that is both tactile and auditory.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a lighter actuation force at 55 grams compared to the T1's unknown actuation force, while the T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 63 grams. The V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a medium actuation and bottom out force, making it a good balance between typing comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the T1 offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro being lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the T1 offers a heavier feel for those who prefer a greater sense of resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we can see that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the T1. The difference may not be significant, but it can still impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Some users may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for a faster response time, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the T1 to provide a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 characteristics, producing sharp and snappy sounds that create an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of purposes. Both switches offer satisfying sound experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro leaning towards a sharper sound and the T1 offering a more balanced and versatile sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and substantial feel with a spring-like feedback sensation and a refined finish that minimizes friction. In contrast, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience, providing a mild tactile feel with two stages of feedback and prominent tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, with the Matcha Green Pro focusing on a lively and buttery feel while the T1 offers a medium tactile sensation with a sleek finish.
Overall, if you prefer a sharper and more pronounced sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and mellow sound profile with a stepped and accented tactile feel, the Durock T1 switch would be a great option. Both switches provide high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction in terms of key feel and sound output based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a super comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, the Durock T1 tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference based on the typing feel and sound profile that best suits your needs and preferences. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
