Kailh Box Jade vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a satisfyingly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a smooth and substantial feel with a solid and responsive keystroke that appeals to users looking for a different kind of tactile feedback. The Matcha Green Pro switches are known for their sharp bottom-out and resonant clacks, making them a preferred choice for typists and gamers alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting potential in both switches. However, the Kailh Box Jade stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches share the benefit of polycarbonate in their top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the use of different materials in their bottom housing showcases the impact of nylon in the Kailh Box Jade versus the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the overall feel and sound of the switches. Pressing down on the Kailh Box Jade will emphasize the deep and full sound profile of the nylon bottom housing, while the top housing of both switches will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, the Kailh Box Jade's additional use of nylon for the bottom housing sets it apart with a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the differences in housing materials allows users to select a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel when typing. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Kailh Box Jade offers a unique typing experience compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro needs 63 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category for actuation and bottom out force. Lighter switches like the Box Jade may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as they require less force to type. On the other hand, switches with heavier forces like the V3 Matcha Green Pro may be favored by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a similar tactile experience with minor differences in actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box Jade. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a little more depth in their key press, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may be the preferable option. However, both switches fall within a range that is considered relatively short, making them suitable for those who value faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 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 is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks that are reminiscent of stepping on piles of crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound when pressed, with a sharp and snappy tone that provides a clean and immersive auditory experience. Both switches deliver satisfying sound feedback, but the Box Jade leans towards a higher-pitched clicky sound, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a crisper and brighter clack.
In the realm of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. It offers a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation that keeps typists engaged. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is designed to be bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. It provides a silky sensation, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keys with reduced friction and a polished finish. The Matcha Green Pro switch also gives off a polished and silky vibe, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance during key presses and releases.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an invigorating typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prefer a clicky tactile experience or a smooth linear feel. However, users can expect a satisfying and gratifying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, then the Box Jade switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth and substantial typing feel with a sharp bottom-out and a satisfyingly responsive keystroke, the Matcha Green Pro switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize the crisp clicky feel of the Box Jade or the smooth and resonant feedback of the Matcha Green Pro. Choose wisely based on the typing experience that best suits your preferences.
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