Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade offers a clicky experience with a subdued sound profile, providing a crunchy feel with a quieter click. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed specifically for gamers, featuring a smooth keystroke with a bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for optimal gaming performance. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for diverse users. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in the design and layout of their housing components.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Mute Jade utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar sound experience with its deep and full tones. The use of nylon in the bottom housing can significantly impact the typing experience and overall sound of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining their sound profile and typing feel. While both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound, they differentiate themselves with the use of nylon bottom housings. The combination of these materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Mute Jade has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. The lighter weight of the V3 Silver Pro may appeal to users who value longer typing comfort, while the heavier weight of the Box Mute Jade may be preferred by those seeking a more robust typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Kailh Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may lean towards the Akko V3 Silver Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Kailh Box Mute Jade. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch produces a crunchy sound akin to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, offering a distinct clicky experience without being too loud. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched sound, sharp and crisp, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a brighter sound profile. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented feel, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overpowering but still noticeable. The switch is described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is known for being easy to press, with a creamy and feathery sensation that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The switch is also described as polished and silky, emphasizing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation force, catering to varied preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound with an accented and stiff feel, the V3 Silver Pro offers a high-pitched sound with an easy-to-press and creamy feel. Depending on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience, both switches can deliver a satisfying result in different scenarios, whether for gaming or everyday typing tasks.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who enjoys a more pronounced tactile feedback and prefers a clicky sound while typing, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The heavier actuation force and distinct clicky sound make it a great option for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you are an avid gamer looking for a smooth and easy-to-press switch that allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. The lighter actuation force and low-impact typing feel make it ideal for gaming sessions where speed and efficiency are crucial. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.