Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is praised for its smooth and substantial feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a solid and responsive keystroke with satisfyingly sharp feedback. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is favored for its delicate typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions and offering a crisp sound profile. While the Matcha Green Pro is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Yanyu switch is described as neutral and mild. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu, we see that both switches share a unique blend of materials in their top housing. The V3 Matcha Green Pro utilizes polycarbonate, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Yanyu's top housing is a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, providing a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience in their own way.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Yanyu utilizes the same blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, offering a pleasant and bright sound profile. Despite the difference in the top housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent typing experience with their choice of bottom housing material, providing a satisfying typing sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both top and bottom housings creates a pleasant and bright sound profile throughout. Despite their differences in materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro is also heavier at 63 grams, while the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for those who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. The V3 Matcha Green Pro would provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. In this case, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 offers a clacky and resonant experience, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile that resonates well for users seeking a clear and sharp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a more neutral and thocky sound, with a moderate profile suitable for various purposes. The V3 Matcha Green Pro will deliver a more pronounced and percussive sound, while the Yanyu will provide a deeper and richer sound, catering to different sound preferences depending on the user's taste and environment.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a range of tactile experiences that involve a lively bounce, smooth and buttery typing sensation, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches provide a more mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, delivering a gentle typing experience with light actuation force for reduced finger fatigue. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the V3 Matcha Green Pro focuses on a more dynamic and smooth feel, while the Yanyu provides a gentle and light touch for extended typing sessions.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, users can expect distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro excels in providing a sharp and resonant sound with a bouncy and silky feel, ideal for those seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and feathery feel, focusing on comfort and lightness for extended typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience accordingly.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out with resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu could be the preferable choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to what type of typing experience you prefer and what fits your individual needs best.
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