Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique qualities to suit different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is favored for its smooth and solid keystrokes, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4T stands out with its thocky sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, offering a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. While the Matcha Green Pro appeals to those who value a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the U4T caters to users seeking a bassy and sharp tactile feel. 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
65g
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gazzew U4T both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro is stiffer, leading to a more resonant sound profile, whereas the Gazzew blend in the U4T provides a softer and deeper sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softness, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. This blend also delivers a rich and deep sound profile, thanks to its softness. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Matcha Green Pro creates a duller sound compared to the softer Gazzew blend in the U4T.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gazzew U4T significantly impacts their sound profiles. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro combines polycarbonate and nylon for a clear and resonant sound, the Gazzew U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for a rich and deep sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer high-quality sound experiences, with the top and bottom housings contributing unique characteristics to the overall sound profile. Whether opting for the sharper sound of the V3 Matcha Green Pro or the deeper tones of the Gazzew U4T, users can expect excellent sound quality from either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ slightly. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the U4T has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The U4T has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro falls into the medium category for both actuation and bottom out force, providing a balanced typing feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the heavier bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have slightly different travel distances, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro having a travel distance of 3.8 mm and the U4T having a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the U4T. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Matcha Green Pro due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the U4T with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and bright auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, giving a deeper and richer tone to your typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Matcha Green Pro delivering a sharper sound while the U4T provides a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and substantial typing experience with a satisfying rebound and silky sensation. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each key press. While the Matcha Green Pro offers a more varied and spring-like typing feel, the U4T focuses on delivering a prominent tactile bump for enhanced feedback during typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a clacky and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, appealing to those who enjoy a smooth and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the U4T stands out with its bassy and thocky sound, paired with a sharp tactile feedback for a more intense typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying options for different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, substantial keystroke with clear tactile feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility with an assertive tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.