Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both of which are linear switches. The Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its smooth and substantial feel, offering typists and gamers a satisfying keystroke complete with a sharp bottom-out that delivers gratifying tactile feedback and resonant clacks. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, known for its heavier variant, combines a unique PA12 top housing that promotes softer acoustics with a POM stem that produces a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched sound, lending an air of subtle sophistication to its performance. While the Matcha Green Pro caters to those who enjoy a bouncier, clackier typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to users seeking an understated yet precise feel. Each switch has its own merits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a clear and crisp auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, users of the Xinhai may experience a more muffled sound, creating a different atmosphere during typing sessions.
When considering the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, which offers similar characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) means that regardless of the different top housings, both switches will create a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound. This commonality in the bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a satisfying sound and feel when pressing the keys. However, while the bottom housing is consistent in both switches, the differing top housings still result in noticeable variations in the overall sound profile during key release, as the distinct qualities of each material come into play.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) creates contrasting yet complementary effects on the typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 enhances sharpness and clarity, the nylon top of the Xinhai provides a rounded auditory experience. When both switches are pressed down, the nylon bottom material will offer a uniform depth in sound, creating cohesion between the two models. Users can expect that the unique attributes of the housings will lead to different auditory experiences, thus catering to diverse preferences in sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a close comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that users will experience identical resistance when initially engaging the switches for a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly higher force of 63 grams compared to the Xinhai's 62.5 grams, making the Matcha Green Pro marginally heavier during full key presses. This slight difference in bottom out force may cater to users looking for a more substantial typing feel; however, both switches fall within the medium range, appealing to a variety of users. Ultimately, those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions might still find both options suitable, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a touch more resistance at the bottom, while the HMX Xinhai maintains a nearly equivalent experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Matcha Green Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're seeking quicker response times, the Xinhai (Heavy) may cater to your needs, aligning with the trend for shorter travel distances that many gamers prefer. Conversely, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial depth that may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Therefore, those who favor a more responsive feel should opt for the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may find the V3 Matcha Green Pro more to their liking.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
When comparing the sound of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is characterized by its vibrant auditory profile. It produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, creating an engaging typing experience. These switches resonate with a bright and crisp tone, enhancing the overall engagement for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, there is no specific description provided for the sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, leaving its acoustic qualities largely unspecified. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that sound perception can vary based on the keyboard's build, including the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is notably distinguished by its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. This combination results in a typing experience that is lively, smooth, and refined, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with a satisfying rebound effect upon activation. The unique blend of these tactile feedback qualities makes it enjoyable for both long typing sessions and intense gaming marathons. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch's feel is also not detailed in the given information, creating some ambiguity regarding its tactile characteristics. Therefore, it cannot be directly compared to the richly detailed feel of the Matcha Green Pro switches.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a defined auditory experience with a clacky and resonant sound profile, it also excels in providing a variety of tactile feedback qualities that cater to both typists and gamers. The sound and feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch are less clearly defined, with unknown aspects leaving its tactile and auditory characteristics open to interpretation. Overall, if you seek a switch with pronounced sound and a rich feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is an excellent choice, while the characteristics of the Xinhai remain to be further explored through user experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a more engaging typing experience characterized by a clacky and resonant sound, along with a bouncy, creamy, and polished feel, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might be your best bet. It's particularly suited for users who appreciate the auditory feedback of a sharp bottom-out and the lively response of each keystroke, making it ideal for both typists and gamers. On the other hand, if you're looking for a subtler sound profile with a focus on a more sophisticated feel, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a unique balance of performance and a softer acoustic experience. This switch, designed for a higher-pitched resonance and a precise feel, may appeal more to those who prioritize a more understated yet refined typing sensation. Ultimately, understanding your typing style and sound preferences will lead you to the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.
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