Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer unique experiences for users looking for specific characteristics in their typing. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience, along with the invigorating sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a great option for budget-conscious users seeking quality, offering a smooth and lively typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile. While both switches provide satisfying feedback, the Box Navy is sharp and crunchy, while the Cream Blue Pro is more accented 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material suggests that both switches will produce a similar sound profile and aesthetic when in use.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound than harder plastics, and creating a duller and rounder sound. This variance in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction may result in a nuanced typing experience between the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, with emphasis on the bottom housing for one switch and the top housing for the other.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Navy is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Box Navy provides a substantial typing experience with its higher forces, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more moderate typing experience, ideal for longer typing durations. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Navy has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Navy being slightly longer. Gamers seeking a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in regards to key feel and responsiveness.
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 Navy 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 Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, featuring a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy leaning towards a more vintage clicky sound while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a modern and smooth auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback that is intense and requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile sensation that is not overwhelming yet provides a prominent amount of tactility with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches deliver distinct typing experiences, with the Box Navy offering a more intense and sharp tactile feedback while the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lively and responsive feel with a polished finish.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both cater to users looking for a unique and engaging typing experience. The Box Navy excels in providing a vintage clicky sound and intense tactile feedback, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a modern poppy sound profile with a smooth and refined tactile sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing you to choose based on your desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound and sharp tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, along with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
