Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro are two popular options to choose from. The Box Royal is known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those who desire an aggressive tactile feel and a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its quality on a budget, offering a poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth tactile sensation. This makes it appealing for users who appreciate a lively feedback accompanied by a creamy 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both use nylon for their bottom housing, which means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. However, the Box Royal's top housing is made of nylon, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro's top housing is polycarbonate. This key difference means that the sound profile of these switches will vary, with the Box Royal producing a deeper sound compared to the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
In terms of aesthetics, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers the added benefit of being clear, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This translucent quality allows for a more visually appealing experience when using the switch with RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Box Royal's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of visual appeal. However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature nylon bottom housings that create a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, the choice between a nylon or polycarbonate top housing will result in different sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal will produce a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro will create a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers the added benefit of being clear, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference in bottom out force gives the Box Royal a more substantial typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Box Royal. The difference may not be significant, but it could potentially impact the feel and performance of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Box Royal. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force, with the main distinguishing factor being the slight variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue 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 Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal is characterized by a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, delivering a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. While the Box Royal offers a higher-pitched sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a unique and engaging auditory experience suitable for those who appreciate a more lively typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal is recognized for its sharp and intense tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump in these switches can be distinctly felt with each keypress, making them ideal for users seeking a nearly aggressive tactility. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a different tactile experience with descriptors like accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in providing a high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro showcases a unique poppy and clacky sound profile, paired with a bouncy and polished feel that offers a smooth and lively typing sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback intensity, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between Kailh Box Royal and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches, consider the level of tactility and sound profile that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a sharp, aggressive tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal switches would be an ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with a smooth, poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a level of tactility that is not overpowering but still noticeable, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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