Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute 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 Mute Jade and Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct experiences for users to consider. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a satisfyingly crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the noise. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a different typing experience that is both lively and precise. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see a clear distinction in their housing materials. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Box Mute Jade offers a crisper sound, the V3 Piano Pro provides a more rounded and duller sound for a different typing experience.
The housing materials continue to differentiate the two switches with their respective bottom housings. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, similarly offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's sound-absorbing properties. This complements the sharp sound from the polycarbonate top housing, creating a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the switch's overall sound depth and richness. Both switches benefit from the characteristics of their bottom housings, providing a unique typing sensation based on the materials used.
While the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Piano Pro have differing housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, they ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The split qualities of the housing materials in each switch contribute to distinct impacts on the sound when pressing down on a key or letting go. Whether seeking a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a fuller, rounder sound from nylon, users can tailor their typing experience based on the material choice. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience through the careful selection and combination of housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear 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 Piano Pro only requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a lighter touch. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience, with the heavier Box Mute Jade offering more resistance and the lighter V3 Piano Pro allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular among users seeking quick response times. However, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. For those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress feel, the Box Mute Jade might be the preferred option. On the other hand, if you value a slightly quicker key response, the Akko V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 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 unique 'crunchy' sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a subdued yet unmistakably clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a 'clacky' sound that is sharp, snappy, and resonant, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The V3 Piano Pro switches offer a more pronounced sound signature compared to the Box Mute Jade, making them ideal for those seeking a more vibrant auditory experience during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides an 'accented' tactile sensation with a medium amount of tactility, along with a 'stiff' feel requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out the keys. The smooth and refined 'polished' finish of the switches enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a 'bouncy' and 'creamy' feel, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The 'polished' and 'silky' finish of these switches contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing feel and minimizes resistance during key presses.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users to choose from based on their preferences. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a quieter clicky sound with an accented and stiffer tactile feel, while the V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a snappy, resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more subdued or vibrant sound and a medium or smooth tactile feel, you can select the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfyingly crunchy and clicky feel with a quieter sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively and crisp sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and sound profile. Whether you prioritize the crunchy clickiness of the Box Mute Jade or the bouncy smoothness of the V3 Piano Pro, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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