Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The Box Royal is known for its extreme tactility, offering a sharp and binary typing experience that is sure to please those who crave a more aggressive tactile response. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that is praised for its smoothness and satisfying poppy sound, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a vibrant auditory 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
The Kailh Box Royal and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Box Royal emphasizes a more muted typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more vibrant and distinct sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material. This means that regardless of which switch is being used, typing on them will elicit a deep and full sound profile, with the softer plastic of the nylon absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, the two switches will provide a similar typing experience, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The consistency of the nylon material in the bottom housing ensures a familiar typing sensation for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a more subdued and muted typing experience, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. However, with both switches utilizing nylon material in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent deep and full sound profile during typing. Ultimately, users should consider their sound preferences and typing experience desires when selecting between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a slightly lighter initial push but requires more force to fully press down, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more consistent typing feel with a slightly heavier initial push but a lighter bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium weight range, making them suitable for different preferences. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those desiring a more substantial feel may opt for the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more pronounced keypress may find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Royal to be more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, resulting in similar levels of performance for users seeking a quick and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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 switch is high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be appealing to those who prefer a more distinct and precise auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch's sound profile is not specified, so the exact sound characteristics may vary. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Box Royal switch is described as sharp, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This intense feedback can be ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation while typing. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is reported to have an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, it is described as feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, indicating a light and responsive typing experience with smooth key travel. These characteristics suggest a comfortable and efficient typing experience, particularly suited for extended use.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switch excels in providing a highly tactile and sharp typing experience with a distinctive high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a smooth and easy-to-press feel with various additional qualities such as feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Depending on personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, users can choose between the aggressive tactility of the Box Royal or the smooth and responsive typing experience of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound profile. If you enjoy an aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and easy-to-press switch with a poppy, clacky sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve. Happy typing!
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