Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Matcha Green Pro switches are best known for their smooth and substantial feel, resulting in a sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that appeals to both typists and gamers. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, striking a balance between satisfying feedback and not being overly tactile. While the Matcha Green Pro is bouncy, clacky, and resonant, the Viola Tricolor is accented, bassy, and invigorating. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into the specifics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users looking to enhance their auditory experience while typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to both keyboards. With similar top housing materials, users can expect to achieve comparable sound profiles when using either the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro or the Haimu Viola Tricolor.
However, where the keyboards diverge is in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Matcha Green Pro incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This results in a more muted and rounded sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering similar sound-enhancing qualities to users. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housings between the two keyboards, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. While both keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing for an enhanced sound profile and visual appeal, they differ in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. This contrast results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both keyboards, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro or the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in each keyboard contributes to their overall performance and user satisfaction.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, with the Viola Tricolor being slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, depending on the specific force preference of the user.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.8mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between key responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable options for users looking for a smooth 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 linear switch is best described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp and snappy sound profile with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses without being overwhelming. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience, with the Matcha Green Pro providing a cleaner, brighter sound while the Viola Tricolor offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel. These switches provide a spring-like feedback with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, making each keystroke feel refined and effortless. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating feel, offering a medium level of tactility that is not too subtle or overwhelming. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, with the Matcha Green Pro focusing on a smooth and refined typing experience while the Viola Tricolor offers a more pronounced and reactive feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Matcha Green Pro offers a sharper and brighter sound profile with a smoother typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper and richer tone with a more invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to customize their typing experience according to their preferences. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying performance, ensuring a high-quality typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth and substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance, the Viola Tricolor may be more suited to your taste. The V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor provides an invigorating and accented feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you before making a decision.
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