Kailh Box Jade vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as excellent options for different preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactility, known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. While both switches have their unique strengths, such as the invigorating crunch of the Box Jades and the bouncy polish of the Lavender Purple V3, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches when using RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials.
The Box Jade uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a different impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch compared to the top housing.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference in their nylon bottom housings brings a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a unique typing experience, where the qualities of each material come into play when pressing down and letting go of a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The Box Jade requires 5 grams more force to actuate and bottom out, making it a medium weight option. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires slightly lighter forces, making it a medium-light option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box Jade, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but the slight differences in weight may cater to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. This means that the Box Jade clicky switch will require a slightly shorter distance to press down fully compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Box Jade being on the shorter end and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being slightly longer. If you prefer a quicker response time, the Box Jade may be the better option, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is not specified, so it may offer a different auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you are aiming for in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, both switches are described as having an accentuated tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump with each key press. The Box Jade switch is further characterized as invigorating, offering a reactive and immersive typing sensation, while the Lavender Purple Pro switch adds descriptors such as bouncy, snappy, and polished to its tactile qualities. This suggests a more dynamic and responsive feel, with a smoother key travel in the case of the Lavender Purple Pro switch. Again, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an invigorating feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers potentially different auditory and tactile experiences with its bouncy, snappy, and polished attributes. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual preferences in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different setups may be the best way to determine which one suits your needs and preferences the most.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile switch with a higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing sensation you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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