Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, you'll find that they both offer unique advantages depending on your preferences. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and satisfying click of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a distinct poppy sound profile. 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
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, leading to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the bottom housings differ. The Box Mute Jade has a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro also has a nylon bottom housing that creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similar polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their nylon bottom housings affects the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder sound, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This distinction in bottom housing material highlights how variations in housing materials can influence the overall typing experience.
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, it is evident that while they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart. The qualities of each housing material are felt differently during typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the switches ultimately offer similar results in terms of sound profiles, demonstrating how variations in housing materials can affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter and more comfortable option for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier and more tactile typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time. Gamers may lean towards the Box Mute Jade for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to those who find shorter travel distances too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy and subdued click that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, giving a lively and audible feedback. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Jade being quieter while still retaining that clicky feel, and the Cream Blue Pro offering a more pronounced and vibrant sound.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. The Jade switch is also noted for its stiffness, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out, which can impact the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Blue Pro switch is described as bouncy and snappy, giving a spring-like feedback and enhanced responsiveness. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a quieter yet recognizable clicky sound with a stiff feel, the Cream Blue Pro delivers a vibrant and lively sound profile with a bouncy and snappy tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both offer excellent performance and distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a crunchy, clicky sound and a stiff feel, the Box Mute Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a distinct poppy and clacky sound, paired with a bouncy and snappy tactile feel, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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