Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you're presented with two distinct options. The Box Royal offers a sharp, binary tactility that is almost aggressive, making it ideal for those who crave a strong tactile response while typing or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a smooth and substantial keystroke experience, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. The Matcha Green Pro switches are favored for their bouncy and clacky feel, appealing to users who enjoy a polished and creamy typing 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches, we see that the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro allows for RGB lighting effects, while the opaque nylon of the Box Royal keeps a more traditional look.
Regarding the bottom housing materials, both the Box Royal and the V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to its soft nature. The impact of the bottom housing material can be felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, it's the different top housing materials that contribute to the distinctive sound profiles of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Matcha Green Pro contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall when combined with its polycarbonate top housing.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on switch performance, it's essential to note how each material affects the sound profile and overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing more significantly affecting the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches, the use of nylon in both bottom housings results in similar sound profiles, while the differing top housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see that the Box Royal is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Royal being slightly shorter than the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal for its faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 sound profile, producing sharp and crisp noises when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as clacky and resonant, generating sharp and snappy sounds with a clean and sharp auditory experience. While the Box Royal leans towards a more intense and sharp sound, the Matcha Green Pro provides a satisfyingly percussive and resonant tone, catering to different preferences for keyboard sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These qualities combined create a smooth and responsive typing experience, with a lively rebound effect and reduced friction for effortless keystrokes. The creamy and silky sensations of the Matcha Green Pro switch provide a luxurious key feel that enhances overall typing comfort.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch excels in aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound, appealing to users who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch offers a smoother and more substantial feel, with bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky attributes that enhance typing comfort and responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences in tactile feedback and sound. If you enjoy a sharp, aggressive tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and substantial feel with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out sound, the Matcha Green Pro switches are likely more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize intense tactility and high-pitched sound (Box Royal) or a solid, responsive keystroke with clacky and resonant sound profiles (Matcha Green Pro). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing and gaming preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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