Kailh Box Navy vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. On one hand, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a robust and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and hefty feel reminiscent of vintage keyboards. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is tailored for gamers, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke with a focus on quick response times and precise actions. Each switch offers unique characteristics and benefits that cater to different preferences and requirements. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your typing or gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
While both the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housing, they each offer a unique design and aesthetic appeal. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to your keyboard setup. Overall, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches enhances the overall typing experience while providing a sleek and modern look.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Kailh Box Navy features nylon, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This gives typists a more muffled and cushioned typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a quieter keyboard setup. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the use of nylon in their bottom housing, enhancing the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
In terms of performance, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Akko V3 Silver Pro play a crucial role in the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While they both feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material (nylon) between the two switches offers a distinct typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Box Navy with its nylon bottom housing or the fuller sound of the V3 Silver Pro with its nylon bottom housing, both switches provide a unique and satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Similarly, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the V3 Silver Pro make it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In terms of weight, the Box Navy is heavier, while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter, offering users options depending on their preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver 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 sound profile, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is higher-pitched and clean, providing a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, ideal for gamers looking for a pleasing bassy sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile experience with a stiff actuation force, giving a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This offers a pronounced feedback and immersive typing sensation for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers an easy-to-press and creamy feel with a feathery light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended gaming or typing sessions. The smooth and polished finish of the switch enhances the overall typing experience by providing a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. The decision between the two switches in terms of feel will depend on individual typing preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. For those who prefer a heavier typing experience and a resonant, sharp sound profile, the Box Navy switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, gamers seeking a smooth and low-impact typing feel with a satisfying bassy sound may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, typing style, and intended use of the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, as well as a sharp tactile feel, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches are the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a smooth and low-impact typing feel with a light actuation force, a high-pitched sound profile, and easy-to-press keys, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
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