Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the qualities of various options to enhance their typing experience. The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Taichi are two compelling linear switches that cater to different preferences yet share a common goal of delivering satisfying performance. The V3 Matcha Green Pro shines with its smooth and substantial feel, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a responsive keystroke and a pronounced bottom-out sound that produces resonant clacks, appealing to both typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi stands out for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, achieved through a long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to exceptional smoothness and stability. While each switch brings unique auditory and tactile experiences, choosing between them really comes down to personal preference and intended use. 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
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Taichi utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory outcome. The polycarbonate material is recognized for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff structure. This rigidity allows for a more pronounced and resonant sound when typing, making it a favored choice for users seeking clarity in their keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of switches equipped with RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through and illuminate the switch beautifully. Because both models employ identical materials in their top housings, users can expect the same enhanced auditory experience, accentuated by RGB effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are composed of nylon, which brings a different auditory character to their performance. Nylon is renowned for its softer properties and sound-absorbing qualities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a more dulled and rounded auditory experience compared to the crisp sound of polycarbonate. When typing on either switch, the nylon bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a satisfying tactile response. Since both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Taichi use nylon in their bottom housings, they share a common characteristic of depth in sound, which balances the sharper notes produced by their polycarbonate top housings.
The overall sound profile produced by each switch is a product of the combination of the materials used in both the top and bottom housings. In the case of the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Taichi, the interplay between the polycarbonate top housing's crispness and the nylon bottom housing's warmth results in a distinctive typing experience that marries clarity with depth. Consequently, even though the upper and lower housings are made of different materials, their compatible characteristics harmonize to create a unique sound signature. Thus, users can enjoy the benefits of both polymer types, effectively eliciting an exemplary typing experience from both switches despite iterations in design and branding.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present contrasting specifications in terms of actuation force, offering different experiences for users based on their typing preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a moderate actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 63 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. In comparison, the Taichi switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions; however, its bottom-out force remains unspecified. This means that while the Matcha Green Pro provides a clearer distinction between actuation and bottoming out, the Taichi switch offers a softer activation that may lead to less tactile feedback. Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier option with a firmer push feel, whereas the Bsun Taichi is the lighter choice, ideal for users seeking ease of use.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit different travel distances, making them suitable for varying preferences among users. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Taichi features a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Taichi a better choice for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers, who often benefit from shorter travel distances. Conversely, the extra 0.2 mm of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may appeal to users who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, as it can provide a more substantial tactile feedback during use. Consequently, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has the longer travel distance, whereas the Bsun Taichi offers a shorter option for those prioritizing responsiveness.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is characterized by a sharp and resonant clacking that delivers a crisp and bright auditory experience. Users can expect a higher-pitched sound when typing, creating an immersive and lively atmosphere that enhances the overall typing experience. The combination of its clacky resonance and clean, sharp tones makes it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Taichi switch remain unspecified, leaving its acoustic qualities uncharted. However, the sound of both switches is likely influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and setup.
When considering the tactile feel, the Matcha Green Pro excels with its bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a lively and responsive experience as you type. The polished finish offers minimal friction, allowing for smooth key travel, while the silky texture elevates the overall ease of use. This refined tactile experience is designed to enhance both typing and gaming performance, appealing to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Taichi linear switch is also unknown, which makes it difficult to compare directly. Nonetheless, if the Taichi switch features a similar construction of high-quality materials, one might expect a pleasing feel that could match the Matcha Green Pro’s renowned smoothness.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch presents itself as a well-rounded option, especially noted for its clacky sound and smooth, bouncy feel. While the Bsun Taichi switch may offer its own unique qualities, particularly in sound, the absence of detailed information prevents a direct comparison. Users looking for a reliable and enjoyable typing experience can confidently choose the Matcha Green Pro for its auditory and tactile satisfaction, while the unknown characteristics of the Taichi suggest that potential users will need to experience it firsthand to ascertain its performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feedback, sound, and feel during your typing or gaming experience. If you enjoy a solid keystroke with a satisfying clack and resonant sound, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is a fantastic option. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams provides a balanced tactile feedback delivering both bouncy and creamy sensations, making it suitable for a variety of tasks from typing to intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer an enchanting auditory experience with high-pitched sounds and prioritize smoothness and stability in your keystrokes, the Bsun Taichi switches may be a better fit. Although specific bottom-out force details are unavailable, their design promises exceptional smoothness due to their long-pole stem and extended springs. Therefore, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro can be ideal for those who crave a more pronounced feedback and sound, you might lean towards the Bsun Taichi if you’re seeking a quieter, smoother experience without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you—whether it's the auditory feedback, the tactile sensation, or the smoothness of each press—as you make your decision.
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