Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are distinct factors to consider. The Box Navy is ideal for those who prefer a heavy typing experience with a crunchy sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of older buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is perfect for individuals who appreciate a smooth and substantial keystroke with satisfyingly sharp feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making it important to weigh your priorities carefully before making a decision. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is also beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination to shine through. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to the softer nature of the plastic. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
While both the Box Navy and the V3 Matcha Green Pro share similarities in their housing materials, their differences can still be observed when using the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for different qualities to be felt and heard depending on the action performed. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience, where the qualities of each material can be felt and heard in different situations. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials contribute to the distinct characteristics of each switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. The Box Navy switch offers a firmer push feel, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a smoother and lighter typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, with the Box Navy being preferred for those seeking a heavier switch and the V3 Matcha Green Pro being ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Navy clicky switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Box Navy being slightly shorter and the V3 Matcha Green Pro being slightly longer. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. Both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, with the Box Navy offering a more vintage feel with its crunchy sound, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a modern and sharp clack.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering high feedback intensity, a pronounced tactile bump, and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is characterized as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, a smooth and buttery typing experience, reduced friction, and exceptionally smooth key travel. The Box Navy offers a more intense and tactile typing experience, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro delivers a smooth and responsive keystroke.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy excels in providing a vintage, heavy typing experience with its resonant and crunchy sound profile, sharp tactile bump, and stiff actuation force. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro delivers a modern and smooth typing experience with its clacky and resonant sound, bouncy feel, creamy keystrokes, and polished and silky finish. Depending on whether you prefer a vintage clicky switch or a modern linear switch, both options offer distinct qualities that will enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel and love the sound and tactility of clicky switches, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more substantial feel with a sharp bottom-out feedback, then the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches would be more suitable for you. The Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide a clacky and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches are sharp, invigorating, and stiff, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize heavy tactility and sound or a smoother and more responsive typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
