Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Tomcat 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 Bsun Tomcat both stand out as compelling choices for users seeking a linear switch experience, yet they embody distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its bouncy and polished feel, offering typists and gamers a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with a clacky sound profile that can make every keystroke feel gratifyingly responsive. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat prioritizes a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, creating a quieter and more subdued feel while still delivering a resonant sound. While the Matcha Green Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback with their tactile experience, the Tomcat offers a smoother performance that may suit users seeking a more refined keystroke without the extra noise. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Tomcat switches exhibit a notable similarity in their top housing, as both feature polycarbonate construction. This shared characteristic contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper—qualities attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them particularly advantageous for setups that utilize RGB lighting. Because they share this top housing material, users can expect similar sound experiences when typing, leading to a consistent auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone compared to the sharper accent provided by the polycarbonate top. Given that both switches maintain this nylon construction in their bottom housings, they offer comparable typing experiences in terms of the overall sound quality when a key is pressed down or released. This harmonious combination of materials fosters a well-rounded auditory profile, making both switches ideal for users looking for a balanced sound experience.
While the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Tomcat employ the same materials in both their top and bottom housings, it is essential to note that the interaction between these materials can affect the overall feel and sound produced. The crispness of polycarbonate coupled with the depth of nylon achieves a unique balance: the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing provides a fuller impact upon bottoming out. Because both switches utilize the same materials for top and bottom housing, users will likely enjoy a similarly satisfying typing experience characterized by nuanced sound differentiation and resonance. This matching composition delivers a consistent performance across both switch variants.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Matcha Green Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it medium-light. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions are likely to find the Tomcat more suitable, as it requires less effort to actuate. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate toward the V3 Matcha Green Pro due to its heavier feel. Overall, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier option, while the Tomcat is lighter, providing distinct experiences for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences emerge. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat features a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm. This difference implies that if you choose the Tomcat switch, you may experience a quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers looking for enhanced speed. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a deeper feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial press. Thus, for those favoring a more responsive touch, the Tomcat would be the preferable option, whereas the V3 Matcha Green Pro caters to individuals desiring a fuller experience with its longer travel distance.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches deliver a resonant auditory experience that enhances the typing and gaming atmosphere. The Matcha Green Pro switches have a notably clacky sound profile, characterized by sharp, crisp, and bright acoustic feedback, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, while specific details about the Tomcat's sound profile are scarce, it is acknowledged that they also produce a resonant tone, which suggests that they may share a similar auditory clarity but without the distinctive clackiness found in the Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, your sound experience will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, ensuring that both switches can yield satisfying sounds depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics, delivering a luxurious typing experience that combines a spring-like feedback with the smoothness reminiscent of gliding over the keys. The springs offer a lively sensation upon activation while the switch's polished design minimizes friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the feeling of the Bsun Tomcat switches has not been detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare. If the Tomcat's construction mirrors that of the Matcha Green Pro, one might expect a good degree of smoothness, but without specific information, this remains an uncertainty.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking switches that offer delightful sound and feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches provide a robust and engaging experience with their sharp clack and smooth tactile feedback. The Bsun Tomcat linear switches present a similar resonant auditory characteristic, although further details on their feel remain unknown. Overall, even with the absence of complete information on the Tomcat switches, the Matcha Green Pro is a strong choice for those who value both the acoustic and tactile aspects of typing, making it a solid starting point for any newcomer to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke with a bottom-out force of 63 grams and appreciate a solid, responsive feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro will definitely cater to your tastes. Its clacky and resonant sound profile, combined with its bouncy and creamy feel, makes it ideal for both typing and gaming experiences where auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Tomcat switches may be more your style. Their super smooth keystroke provides an effortless feel that can lead to quicker typing speeds with less fatigue, making them a great choice for extended work sessions or gaming marathons where comfort takes precedence. Overall, consider how much you value sound and feedback in your typing experience when making your choice, as these factors significantly influence the enjoyment and effectiveness of your keyboard use.
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