Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Twilight linear switch present two appealing options, each tailored for distinct preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is renowned for its smooth and substantial feel, providing typists and gamers with a satisfying sharp bottom-out that delivers both tactile feedback and a resonant clack with each keystroke, making it a favorite among those who crave a lively typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight shines with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, ensuring a quieter typing atmosphere while still embracing the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This makes the Twilight a fantastic choice for users who appreciate a more subdued sound profile without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches cater to different needs – with the Matcha Green Pro emphasizing tactile feedback and sound, while the Twilight prioritizes a quieter experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Twilight present a distinct contrast, particularly in the choice of top housing. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This attribute arises from polycarbonate’s relatively stiff composition, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the HMX Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced audio output. Thus, while the Matcha Green Pro may excel in brightness and clarity, the Twilight offers richness and depth, showcasing how different materials can significantly shape the auditory experience of a keyboard.
Despite the divergence in their top housings, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that when one presses down on either switch, the bottom housing will produce similar sound qualities — a fuller and deeper auditory profile. The inherent softness of nylon aids in dampening sound vibrations, resulting in a satisfying bottom-out feel that is consistent across the two models. This shared bottom housing confirms that while the sound profiles differ during key release, the experience of bottoming out remains uniform, ultimately leading to a cohesive typing experience that enhances comfort.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality with RGB lighting, the discrepancies between the two models are also noteworthy. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Matcha Green Pro facilitates the diffusion of RGB lighting, adding a vibrant visual element that may appeal to gamers and customization enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, with its nylon top housing, may not contribute as dramatically to the RGB lighting experience; however, it still maintains a classic appeal synonymous with many traditional keyboards. Therefore, while both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and HMX Twilight possess unique sound characteristics due to their varying top housings, they share common ground in bottom housing material, which affects the tactile experience in similar ways.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. Meanwhile, those who favor a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the V3 Matcha Green Pro, which requires more push force to actuate and bottom out. In essence, if you seek a lighter feel, the HMX Twilight is the way to go, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro caters to users looking for a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Twilight linear switches, the V3 Matcha Green Pro measures 3.8 mm, while the HMX Twilight has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the V3 Matcha Green Pro the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional feel and may be favored by users who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses. Those who appreciate a tactile experience might find the slightly longer travel distance of the Twilight more satisfying, while those looking for efficiency and speed in gaming may opt for the Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, your preference will largely depend on your typing style and usage needs.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 switches deliver a distinctive auditory profile characterized by their sharp, clacky tones. Users can expect a resonant experience that is both crisp and bright, producing a satisfying percussive sound with each keystroke. This clackiness can enhance the feedback during typing or gaming, creating an engaging auditory environment. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which slightly mutes the sound output compared to the Matcha Greens. Although it retains the classic clacky essence typical of HMX switches, its quiet nature makes it more suitable for quieter environments while still providing a rewarding typing experience.
In terms of feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels with its bouncy, creamy, and polished characteristics. The switches offer a delightful spring-like sensation that gives a lively feedback during use, combined with a smooth and buttery experience reminiscent of gliding fingers across the keys. This creates a refined typing experience that is both enjoyable and efficient. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Twilight switch is not explicitly detailed, so one would need to explore the switch further to grasp its tactile response. However, it's reasonable to assume that, as a linear switch, it delivers a smooth keystroke similar to other linear styles, though it might lack the unique bouncy and silky sensations provided by the Matcha Greens.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to different sound preferences and typing experiences, they both offer distinct advantages depending on the user’s needs. The V3 Matcha Green Pro impresses with its engaging auditory feedback and vibrant tactile response, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a robust experience. Meanwhile, if a quieter operation is a priority, the HMX Twilight switches offer a compelling option that still captures the essence of the classic linear feel. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize sound, tactility, or the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing experience. If you favor a more tactile and substantial feel with a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is an excellent choice; its bouncy and creamy profile, coupled with the satisfying resonant clacks, makes it ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a strong, responsive keystroke and an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the HMX Twilight switch, with its extended travel distance, will provide a quieter and smoother typing experience suited for extended use without fatigue. The Matcha Green Pro shines in environments where feedback and sound are appreciated, while the Twilight is better suited for those who may work in quieter settings or who simply prefer a more subdued tactile response. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the ambiance in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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