Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch to the Gateron Type S linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback favored by typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a weightier keystroke with a sound signature that strikes a pleasing balance towards a neutral and deeper acoustic experience. While the Matcha Green Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Type S is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Type S, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate, while the Gateron Type S sticks with nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Type S elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in top housing material highlights the differences in sound characteristics between the two switches. The V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to resonate and create a clear sound, ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Type S's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Type S plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the use of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro's top housing contrasts with the Type S's nylon top housing, resulting in different sound profiles. Ultimately, users can expect a crisper and more resonant sound from the V3 Matcha Green Pro, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Gateron Type S offers a softer and rounder sound with its nylon top housing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is on the lighter side, while the Type S has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that while they may feel similar when initially pressing the key, the Type S will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down. Some may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Type S for a more satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron Type S linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The V3 Matcha Green Pro would provide a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those looking for speed. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their clacky and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive auditory experience that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switches provide a more neutral and subdued sound, making them suitable for various purposes without being overly loud. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these elements when evaluating sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are characterized by their bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with smooth and buttery keystrokes that glide effortlessly. The Gateron Type S switches do not have specific descriptors for feel provided in the information, but their 65g bottom-out weight suggests a weightier keystroke that could provide a more substantial and stable typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying feel for typists and gamers alike, showcasing different qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches and the Gateron Type S linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that appeal to different user preferences. While the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a more tactile and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Type S switches offer a neutral and subdued sound with potentially weightier keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of reliable performance and quality construction from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sharp bottom-out with clear tactile feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a sound signature that strikes a balance between neutral and deeper tones, the Gateron Type S could be the right choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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