Kailh Box Jade vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer unique experiences. The Box Jades are perfect for those who crave a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, these switches provide an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 switches stand out for their affordability while still delivering quality performance. Their poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth tactile sensation, make them a popular choice for users who value a lively, audible 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a clearer and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Box Jade and the V3 Cream Blue Pro differ in their bottom housings, with the former using nylon and the latter using polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while polycarbonate absorbs less sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Therefore, while the housing materials may vary in the Box Jade and the V3 Cream Blue Pro, they each offer a distinct typing experience based on the qualities of their respective housings.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets these switches apart, with the use of nylon in the Box Jade creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles when pressing down and releasing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch have similar actuation forces, with the Box Jade requiring 50 grams and the V3 Cream Blue Pro needing 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade is heavier at 60 grams compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro at 55 grams. This means that the Box Jade provides a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, which is suitable for those who prefer a balance between light and heavy typing. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with those looking for a slightly lighter typing experience opting for the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those seeking a bit more resistance may lean towards the Box Jade. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with slight variations in weight to cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Box Jade having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the V3 Cream Blue Pro having a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro, but both fall within the range of typical switch travel distances. If you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be preferable. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the Box Jade could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp noise reminiscent of autumn leaves being stepped on. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound that is smooth and harmonious. Both switches provide audible feedback, but the Box Jade leans towards a sharper sound while the Cream Blue Pro offers a smoother, more rounded noise.
When it comes to feel, both the Box Jade and the Cream Blue Pro switches are described as offering an accented tactile sensation, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Box Jade is further described as invigorating, giving a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Blue Pro is also bouncy and snappy, giving a spring-like and responsive feedback with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a lively and engaging typing sensation with their tactile feedback.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an invigorating tactile feedback, while the Cream Blue Pro delivers a poppy and clacky sound with a bouncy and polished tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, providing users with options that cater to different preferences in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, accompanied by a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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