Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the distinct sound and tactility of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an ideal choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a poppy, clacky sound. Each switch has its unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting because of its translucency. On the other hand, the Box Navy and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also have nylon bottom housings, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials between the two switches, there are some differences in the overall sound profiles they produce. The Box Navy, with its polycarbonate top housing, may have a slightly sharper and more resonant sound when compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. This could be attributed to the material's stiff nature, which contributes to a clearer sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound experience, offering a slightly different typing feel compared to the Box Navy.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share similar housing materials with polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, they may still offer slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound preference and typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is heavier both in actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of actuation force and 90 grams of bottom out force, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 50 grams of actuation force and 60 grams of bottom out force, making it lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming use. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the weight of force required, with the Box Navy being heavier and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being lighter, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Cream Yellow Pro's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Box Navy provides a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and tactility, the Box Navy may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quicker and more responsive keystroke, the Cream Yellow Pro's slightly shorter travel distance might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the main difference lying in the depth of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. The higher-pitched sound profile and sharp, crisp click make for an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch provides a poppy and clacky sound, creating a vibrant auditory experience for those who enjoy a smooth and creamy tactile feel. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy being more intense and sharp, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a smoother and more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a strong tactile bump and immersive typing sensation. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and low-impact typing feel. The Box Navy switch requires more force to actuate and offers a pronounced tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a more intense typing experience. Meanwhile, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch requires minimal force to activate and provides a light and responsive typing feel, perfect for extended typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Box Navy switch is best suited for individuals seeking a heavy typing experience with a sharp click sound and strong tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is perfect for budget-conscious users looking for a smooth and low-impact typing feel with a poppy and clacky sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, providing a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a heavier typing experience with a clicky sound profile that harkens back to vintage keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter linear switch that offers a satisfying poppy sound, then the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are a great choice, especially for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for weight, sound, and tactile feedback, so consider these factors before making your decision on the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for you.
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