Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness represent two distinct philosophies in design and user experience. The V3 Matcha Green Pro, recognized for its bouncy and clacky nature, features a smooth response that culminates in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. This makes it a fantastic choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a robust and resonant keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more subtle, tactile feedback, creating a balanced sound profile that enhances its moderate tactile qualities without overpowering the typing experience. This makes the Weightlessness an excellent option for those who seek a less intrusive yet still engaging switch feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two may hinge on personal preference for sound and feedback; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Gateron Weightlessness switches present an intriguing contrast, particularly in their top housings. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it especially suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness sports a nylon top housing, a traditional material revered for its softer nature. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller resonance. Consequently, while the Akko switch can achieve a brighter tone ideal for a more lively experience, the Gateron switch offers a muted and rounded auditory experience that appeals to those seeking a warmer feedback.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes clear that they share a commonality: both utilize nylon. This alignment creates a unified sound experience at the base of each switch, as the nylon material in both cases contributes to a deeper sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon help absorb vibrations, resulting in a rounded feel when typing. Although the top housings of these switches produce distinct sound profiles—polycarbonate for the V3 Matcha Green Pro and nylon for the Weightlessness—the bottom housing effectively maintains consistency. As a result, regardless of the differences in the top, each switch provides a similar tactile sensation and acoustic quality grounded in the properties of nylon.
Ultimately, the distinctions between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Gateron Weightlessness can be seen in how the various housing materials influence the overall acoustic and tactile experience. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro’s polycarbonate top contributes brightness and clarity to keystrokes, the nylon top of the Weightlessness fosters a more muted and round sound. Yet, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing, both switches deliver a similarly rich and full bottom-out sound. Consequently, users can achieve diverse outcomes through sound profiles based on their preferences for either switch while experiencing a degree of consistency in their typing feedback due to the shared materials in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we can observe some key differences in their actuation force. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Weightlessness switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Weightlessness switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where less strain on the fingers is preferred. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unavailable, which makes it difficult to assess how it stacks up in terms of overall resistance when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro exhibits a bottom out force of 63 grams, suggesting that it provides a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier switch. Overall, while the Weightlessness is lighter and may cater to those seeking a softer touch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a firmer feedback with its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there's a noticeable difference. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better option due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker key presses. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced feel and depth with each keystroke, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would be ideal with its longer travel distance. Overall, the Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial depth, while the Weightlessness provides a snappier response.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Matcha Green Pro distinctly stands out with its clacky and resonant auditory profile. These switches produce a sharp, snappy sound that resonates crisply, delivering a higher-pitched, immersive experience that is both bright and percussive. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches have a more balanced sound profile, providing subtlety that may not evoke the same level of auditory excitement as the Matcha Green Pro. While the exact character of the Weightlessness sound is not detailed, it lacks the pronounced sharpness and resonance that defines the Akko switches.
Regarding feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches excel with descriptors such as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, which denote a smooth and substantial typing experience. These qualities translate to a fluid typing sensation, characterized by a lively spring-like rebound and minimal resistance during keystrokes. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switches is less explicitly defined in available descriptions, suggesting that users may not experience the same level of tactile depth and fluidity. Therefore, those seeking a richly textured typing experience may find the Matcha Green Pro more appealing, whereas the Weightlessness may provide a more subdued and less remarkable tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer unique attributes suited for different preferences. The Matcha Green Pro shines in both sound and tactile feedback, delivering a vibrant, responsive typing experience that typists and gamers may find particularly gratifying. Conversely, the Weightlessness switches present a more understated experience, making them a quieter alternative, though lacking the pronounced characteristics that enrich the Akko option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user values auditory stimulation and tactile feedback or prefers a more subdued, balanced keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a typing experience characterized by a smooth, substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out and a pronounced auditory feedback, the V3 Matcha Green Pro becomes a compelling choice. Its clacky and resonant sound profile enhances the enjoyment of both typing and gaming, making it ideal for those who relish an engaging, lively keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a more subtle, moderate tactile feel without the distraction of a loud sound, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may suit you better. While the specifics on its bottom-out force remain unavailable, its balanced sound profile is likely to foster a more subdued typing experience. Therefore, choose the Matcha Green Pro for a vibrant, dynamic feel and sound, and opt for the Weightlessness if you desire smoother, less intrusive feedback in your keyboard interactions. Ultimately, each switch caters to different stylistic and functional needs, so consider how each aligns with your typing habits to make the best decision.
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