Kailh Box Jade vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is a clicky switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy tactile bump and a clicky sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, delivering a lively and polished keystroke. While the Box Jade excels in providing a high-pitched and invigorating typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and creamy feel with a unique crisp quality to each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your preference for clicky sound profiles or smooth actuation. 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct characteristics that impact the sound and feel of typing. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a classic switch housing material with a unique sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Box Jade and the V3 Piano Pro switches use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This softer plastic material creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows each part of the switch to contribute different qualities to the overall typing experience, making for a well-rounded switch design.
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade creates a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Whether a switch features a polycarbonate or nylon top housing, the overall typing experience is influenced by the combination of materials used in the top and bottom of the switch, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Box Jade switch is slightly heavier in terms of typing pressure required. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Box Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Box Jade may provide a slightly more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of keypress responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 characterized by its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, delivering sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, providing a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke with a clean and sharp sound profile. Both switches have their own unique auditory charm, with the Box Jade offering a more high-pitched clicky sound while the V3 Piano Pro provides a snappy, resonant sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium-tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. It provides moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These switches provide a spring-like feedback with a smooth and buttery sensation, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on the V3 Piano Pro switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, enhancing the overall typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a medium-heavy clicky typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a lively and crisp sound signature with smoothness in actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and tactile bumps, the Box Jades are the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation with a slight bounce in each keystroke, the V3 Piano Pro switches will suit you well. Consider the sound profile and feel that resonates with you the most to truly enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your keyboarding experience based on your individual preferences.
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