Gateron Luciola vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see the key differences in their design and features. The Luciola switch is renowned for its unique glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, as well as a distinctive sound profile likened to a "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a smooth and solid typing experience with a sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences - the Luciola for its eye-catching design and snappy typing experience, and the Matcha Green Pro for its satisfyingly solid and responsive keystrokes. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles and physical properties. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both create unique sound profiles, the Luciola's INK blend offers a slightly softer and less intense sound compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares similar qualities with its top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the more distinct sound of the Luciola. Overall, the differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles and typing experiences. Whether it's the softness of nylon or the stiffness of polycarbonate, each housing material has a distinct impact on the sound and feel of a keyboard switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro's housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic dimension to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force required to register a keystroke. However, the Gateron Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro requires a slightly heavier force to fully depress the key compared to the Gateron Luciola. The slight difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing feel with the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force but vary slightly in bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Luciola, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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.
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 quality of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, both switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. The Luciola switch also adds a chirpy and marbly sound to its characteristics, while the Matcha Green Pro switch introduces a resonant sound profile. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Luciola switch is known for its snappy and buttery typing experience, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a lively and silky typing experience. Both switches share the characteristic of a polished finish, contributing to reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities result in a tactile feedback that caters to different preferences in typing style.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have some overlapping qualities such as a clacky sound profile and a polished finish, they also offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch stands out for its marbly sound and snappy feel, while the Matcha Green Pro switch excels in providing a resonant sound and a bouncy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience with either switch, tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of aesthetics, sound, and feel. If you value a unique visual element with switches that glow in the dark, opt for the Luciola. The Luciola offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a medium heft and a distinctive sound profile described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. On the other hand, if you prioritize a solid and responsive keystroke with sharp tactile feedback, choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro. These switches provide a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and resonate with clacky or resonant sound qualities. Additionally, the Matcha Green Pro offers a substantial and bouncy typing feel with descriptors like bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
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