Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the TKC Tangerine are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch boasts an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, offering a pleasurable typing experience with each keystroke. While the Matcha Green Pro is described as 'bouncy', 'clacky', 'creamy', 'polished', 'resonant', and 'silky', the Tangerine is labeled as 'frictionless', 'buttery', 'high-pitched', and 'polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro uses a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine features UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a mix of sharpness and depth in its sound profile, the Tangerine provides a consistent bright sound throughout.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housings do not offer translucency but still provide a bright and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the use of nylon in the V3 Matcha Green Pro's bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing, which also contributes to the overall bright sound signature of the switch.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a combination of sharper and deeper tones with its polycarbonate and nylon housing, respectively. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine delivers a consistently bright sound through its UHWMPE housings. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound signatures, catering to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear 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 Tangerine has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may appeal to those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, providing a smoother and lighter keystroke. On the other hand, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine may cater to individuals who favor a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, when comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches, it becomes evident that the choice between them will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which is shorter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine provides a bit more depth when pressing the key, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding travel distance and desired keyboard feel.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its clacky and resonant qualities, producing sharp and snappy sounds with a higher pitch that can be quite immersive and clean. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and crisp, providing a different auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Matcha Green Pro delivering a more resonant and clacky sound compared to the Tangerine's high-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, offering users a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. The TKC Tangerine switch, on the other hand, is praised for its frictionless, buttery, and polished attributes, providing an incredibly smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches offer a buttery and polished feel, with the Matcha Green Pro focusing more on bounciness and creaminess while the Tangerine emphasizes fluidity and uniformity in keystrokes.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and TKC Tangerine switches each have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback and sharp bottom-outs. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a high-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, buttery feel, catering to users who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality sound and feel attributes that can elevate your typing experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference for sound and typing sensation.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches or TKC Tangerine linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you appreciate a substantial and sharp bottom-out feel with resonant clacks, along with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing sensation, then the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches would be an excellent choice for you. However, if you are looking for an incredibly smooth typing experience with high-pitched clacks, along with a high-pitched, frictionless, buttery, or polished feel, then the TKC Tangerine switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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