Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus each present compelling options tailored for different preferences and uses. The V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its bouncy and clacky characteristics, delivering a smooth and substantial typing experience that provides satisfying tactile feedback, making it a joy for both typists and gamers who crave a solid keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a rapid 1mm actuation force that allows for quick key presses during intense gaming sessions, complemented by its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel. While the Matcha Green Pro is marked by its resonant and tactile experience, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and responsiveness, catering to those who thrive on rapid input. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its superior stiffness and translucency. This property contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus adopts a nylon top housing, which, while also well-regarded as a classic material, leans towards producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Thus, the way each switch interacts with sound is distinct; the Matcha Green Pro excels in clarity and brightness, whereas the Vintage Citrus fosters warmth and depth.
On the other side, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality suggests an inherent similarity in their sound profiles at the point of actuation. The nylon’s softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a rounded bottom-out response in both switches. As a result, despite their dissimilar top housings, the two switches will produce a comparable experience during key presses, as both will inherit the deeper, fuller acoustics that nylon provides at the base.
Ultimately, the dichotomy between the materials of the top housings will dictate the overall sound experience while typing. The V3 Matcha Green Pro will provide a bright and clear sonic character when releasing keys due to its polycarbonate composition, which makes it especially vibrant under RGB lighting. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus will envelop the user in a warmer, rounder sound profile, enhanced by its nylon structure, particularly during keystrokes. Therefore, while the two switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, their distinct top housings ensure that each offers unique auditory qualities during use, thus delivering different results in terms of sound expression.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus 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 option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial feeling with its heavier resistance, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter Vintage Citrus switch may be more suitable for users looking to type for extended periods or during long gaming sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro measuring 3.8 mm and the Vintage Citrus at 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, appealing to gamers and fast-paced typists who prefer a quicker response time due to its shallower travel. Conversely, the V3 Matcha Green Pro, with its deeper 3.8 mm travel, may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke and tactile feedback, making it a better choice for those who favor a satisfying depth while typing. Therefore, depending on personal preferences for responsiveness versus a more pronounced keystroke feel, one might choose either switch to achieve their desired typing experience.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 produces a distinctive clacky and resonant auditory profile. Users can expect a sharp, snappy sound upon keypress, which is coupled with a higher-pitched resonance that contributes to an immersive and clear auditory experience. This combination makes it a delight for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustical presence while typing or gaming. While specific information on the Vintage Citrus switch's sound profile is lacking, it is known for being designed specifically for rapid inputs, and it features a bright, clacky sound. Therefore, users can anticipate an enjoyable auditory experience with Vintage Citrus as well, though the exact character and depth of its sound remain undefined.
When considering the feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels with its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. This switch offers a spring-like response and a smooth, buttery texture that allows for effortless keypresses. The combination of these attributes results in a lively yet refined typing sensation, providing satisfying feedback upon actuation and allowing for smooth key travel without resistance. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch does not have detailed qualitative descriptions available, so its specific feel remains unknown. However, with its exceptionally low actuation force tailored for gamers, one might expect a similar appeal for rapid and responsive keypresses, albeit without the recorded smoothness and polish of the Matcha Green switch.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches each deliver unique sound and feel experiences, the Matcha Green undoubtedly stands out with its clear, resonant acoustics and rich tactile feedback. The Vintage Citrus promises a bright clacky sound but lacks detailed qualities for a thorough comparison on feel. Both switches are poised to provide enjoyable typing experiences, yet the Matcha Green's extensive descriptions suggest a more refined option for those who prioritize auditory and tactile gratification in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will largely depend on your intended use and personal preferences. If you appreciate a more tactile experience with a balanced weight, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is an excellent option. It offers a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, delivering a bouncy and polished feel that enhances the typing experience with satisfying clacks and a crisp auditory feedback, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you're a gamer focused on speed and rapid key presses, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for that purpose. With a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a quick 1mm actuation distance, it can provide the swift response needed for fast-paced gaming scenarios. With its bright and clacky sound profile, it delivers an engaging tactile experience that feels smooth and responsive. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the solid and gratifying experience of the Matcha Green Pro or the swift agility of the Vintage Citrus, both switches have unique strengths that can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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