Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both linear switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their smooth and substantial feel, offering a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are highlighted for their deep and thocky sound profile, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While the Matcha Green Pro switches are categorized as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, the Tourmaline Blue switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. It is important to dive deeper into their specific features to determine which switch would best suit your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both keyboards use polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the difference in bottom housing materials highlights the impact of housing material on the overall typing experience. The use of nylon in the V3 Matcha Green Pro's bottom housing contributes to a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, providing a contrasting experience to the Tourmaline Blue's sharper and crisper sound produced by its polycarbonate bottom housing. The split between top and bottom housing materials means that users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will primarily impact the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers users different sound profiles and tactile sensations while typing. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound, but the differing bottom housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing yields a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users seeking a quieter typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound quality of each keyboard.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. Both switches have a medium level actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 63 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue demands 67 grams, making the Tourmaline Blue the heavier of the two switches with a medium-heavy bottom out force. The weight of a switch can impact typing comfort and endurance, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds with a higher-pitched, immersive auditory profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for most users with its moderate actuation force and sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, providing a smooth, springy, and refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and gentle typing experience. While both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and key press sensations, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either option, depending on their individual preferences and typing style.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches each have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, clackier sound with a bouncy feel or a deeper, thockier sound with a smoother, buttery feel, both switches provide quality options for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, typing habits, and the overall keyboard setup to achieve the desired sound and feel for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. Choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, and resonant clacks. Opt for the Tourmaline Blue if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a deep and thocky sound profile, and a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you are looking for. Evaluate your own typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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