Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy 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 Navy, a clicky switch, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offer unique typing experiences. If you crave a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are ideal for you. Reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, these switches are sharp, resonant, and invigorating. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches provide a pleasant tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, creating a bouncy and polished typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Housing materials
While both the Kailh Box Navy and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, they each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar sound experience and visual appeal when it comes to their top housings.
Where the two switches differ is in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also utilizes nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housing, such as both the Box Navy and V3 Lavender Purple Pro, will likely offer a more muted and rounded sound compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housing or a combination of the two materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch, whether it be polycarbonate, nylon, or a combination of both, plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While the Kailh Box Navy and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differing use of nylon for the bottom housing will result in unique typing experiences for users. Understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel can help individuals make informed decisions when choosing a switch that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a robust and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more gentle and medium-light touch. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Box Navy being ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences, with the Kailh Box Navy providing a heavier feel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy 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. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Akko V3 being slightly longer than the Kailh Box Navy. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Kailh Box Navy with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Akko V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 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 switch is known for its resonant and crunchy characteristics, providing a higher-pitched and clean sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch's sound profile is not specifically described, leaving it to interpretation. However, with both switches being tactile, the sound produced will likely be satisfying and distinct, adding to the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a strong tactile bump and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, a lively feel with rebound, responsiveness, and a smooth key travel experience. Both switches aim to enhance the typing sensation with their unique tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation force and overall typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel to suit varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Box Navy leans towards a heavier typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feedback and clicky sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a balanced tactile feel with a focus on responsiveness and smooth key travel. Choosing between the two switches would ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profile, tactility, and typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a satisfying tactile bump and a vintage feel reminiscent of older keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a gentle tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience with a satisfying level of tactility. Ultimately, your choice between the two would depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so you can choose accordingly based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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