Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute 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 Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box Mute Jade is favored for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy clicky switches without the loud noise. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump for a delightful typing experience. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Box Mute Jade being 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is labeled as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro lies in their top housings. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the switches are made of nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, adding a different auditory experience when compared to the top housings. Despite using different materials for the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vary, both switches provide a unique typing experience. The bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate different sound qualities in their switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, providing a lighter typing feel. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Box Mute Jade for a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box Mute Jade. The difference may not be substantial, but it can result in a slightly different typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more depth and tactility in your keystrokes, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics, but ultimately the decision between them comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a unique auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that complements the tactile bump, resulting in a delightful typing sound. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being quieter and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro having a more pronounced sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade is known for its accented tactile feel that is not hypertactile but provides a noticeable bump, giving users a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches are described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate compared to other switches, contributing to a unique typing sensation. The polished finish of the Box Mute Jade switches also ensures smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers an accented tactile feel with a bouncy and snappy response, providing users with a lively typing sensation. The polished finish of these switches also adds to the smooth key travel, making typing a seamless experience.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the quieter clicky sound of the Box Mute Jade or the higher-pitched sound profile of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both switches deliver on their promise of enhancing your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that you will get a quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier, more pronounced clicky switch with a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light switch with a tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a distinct clicky feel or a satisfying tactile experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what features are most important to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
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