Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box Royal is favored for its intense tactility, providing a sharp, almost aggressive feedback that appeals to those seeking a highly tactile typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro stands out for its unique fully polycarbonate construction, offering a smooth and bouncy typing experience accompanied by a bright and chirpy sound profile. While the Box Royal leans towards a sharp and high-pitched feel, the Crystal Pro delivers a polished and bouncy sensation. 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
48g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro both offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of the materials used. The Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate delivers a clearer and more defined sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the nylon housing of the Box Royal shares similar qualities with its top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Despite having different materials for the top and bottom housings, both switches offer a consistent sound experience throughout typing. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a variation in sound based on the phase of keystrokes, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound characteristics. The nylon housing of the Box Royal provides a softer and fuller sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Crystal Pro offers a sharper and more resonant sound, catering to individuals who desire a crisper typing feel. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles, highlighting the importance of material selection in achieving desired auditory feedback.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams while the V3 Crystal Pro is lighter at 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Crystal Pro offers a lighter actuation force for a slightly lighter typing feel. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of weight, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the preference between the two would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, we find that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for more responsiveness in their key presses. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Box Royal for faster response times. Conversely, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may find the longer travel distance of the V3 Crystal Pro to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 offers a higher-pitched profile, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch provides a chirpy sound signature with a little squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. In contrast, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Crystal Pro switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best suited for those who prefer an aggressive tactile experience with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch offers a unique blend of bouncy and polished feel with a chirpy sound signature. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to individual preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for tactility and sound. If you prioritize a strong and sharp tactile experience with a higher pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and bouncier feel with a chirpy sound signature, the V3 Crystal Pro may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for both feel and sound. Choose the switch that aligns best with your individual preferences to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
