Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out as popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Box Navy clicky switch appeals to those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the nostalgic sound and feel reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro linear switch is favored for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Box Navy offers a sharp and crunchy typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro provides a bouncy and polished feel. 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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 Piano Pro, one can see distinct differences in the overall sound profile they produce. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Navy results in a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a more classic typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant in both switches, offering users a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback. However, the split between the top and bottom housing materials means that each switch will exhibit slightly different characteristics depending on whether you're pressing down on a key or releasing it.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy and Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in their top housing materials, with one featuring polycarbonate and the other nylon, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy's sharper and crisper sound contrasts with the fuller and rounder sound of the V3 Piano Pro, showcasing how housing materials can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a classic typing experience with a deeper sound profile, these switches provide options for various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter touch. The Box Navy would be preferred by users who enjoy a heavier keypress, while the V3 Piano Pro would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference based on the desired weight and feel of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. For individuals who prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback when typing or gaming, the Box Navy may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if a slightly shorter travel distance is more appealing for a crisper and quicker keypress, the V3 Piano Pro would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience with a high-pitched and immersive sound profile akin to vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy characteristic that adds a lively and crisp feel to each keystroke. Both switches have a resonant quality in their sound profile, but the Box Navy leans towards a sharper and higher-pitched sound while the V3 Piano Pro focuses more on a bright and percussive tone.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump for each keypress. Contrastingly, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback, smooth key travel, and reduced friction for effortless keystrokes. These differences in feel indicate that the Box Navy switch prioritizes strong tactile feedback and actuation force, while the V3 Piano Pro switch aims for a smoother and more responsive keypress.
Considering all the available information, it's evident that the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with sharp and intense tactile feedback, the Box Navy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and bouncy typing sensation with a lively and snappy sound, the V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a snappy and smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the weight and sound of the switch (Box Navy) or the smoothness and lightness of the typing experience (V3 Piano Pro). Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and preferences when making your choice.
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