Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing or gaming experience. The Matcha Green Pro switches are praised for their smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback, making them ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to those looking for a blend of sophistication and precise performance. While both switches are categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', the Matcha Green Pro also offers a 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky' 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known to create a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Similarly, the Xinhai also features a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a similar typing experience that delivers a deeper sound profile. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound qualities.
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai in terms of their housing materials, it's clear that both switches have their own strengths. While they both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a similar typing experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Xinhai, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we find that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro. 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and immersive auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch also offers a clacky sound, creating a crisp and percussive noise when pressed. Both switches share a similar sound characteristic, so users can expect a comparable result in terms of sound quality when choosing between the two.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is praised for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensation when typing. These qualities provide a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery keystrokes, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth typing experience. Similarly, the HMX Xinhai switch also features a bouncy and creamy feel, offering users a lively feedback sensation and a smooth and buttery typing experience. With both switches having a bouncy and creamy feel in common, users can anticipate a similar tactile experience when using either switch.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch showcase unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback with resonant clacks, the HMX Xinhai stands out with its softer acoustics and crisp, higher-pitched resonance. With similar descriptions for sound and feel shared between the two switches, users can expect comparable results when deciding between these mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style should guide individuals in selecting the switch that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly sharp keystroke with clear tactile feedback, the Matcha Green Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a softer acoustics profile with a higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing experience and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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