Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro represent two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its clicky nature, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback along with an audible click that many typists find gratifying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a smooth and linear feel, characterized by its unique poppy and clacky sound, designed for users who appreciate a quieter, more fluid keypress. While the Box White V2 might be favored by gamers and typists looking for responsiveness and feedback, the Cream Black Pro appeals to budget-conscious individuals seeking quality and comfort in everyday use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is perfect for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro feature identical materials for their top housing, which is made of polycarbonate. This commonality results in a similar auditory experience, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows it to resonate beautifully, giving each keystroke a clear and defined sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is utilized, making both switches a great choice for those who want a vibrant backlight glowing through the keycaps. This shared material composition underscores that users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound when typing or gaming with either switch.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Box White V2 and the V3 Cream Black Pro utilize nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a fuller, rounder sound profile. The nylon's softer plastic qualities contribute to a more muted auditory feedback when pressing the keys, which contrasts with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of materials ensures that while the switches share a similar design philosophy, the complete sound profile generated remains distinct and layered. When typing, the deeper sound nuances imparted by the nylon bottom housing contribute significantly to the overall acoustic character, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying tactile sensation.
The interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings results in a unique sound signature for both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. Given that both switches incorporate the same materials, users can anticipate a harmonious balance in sound quality and typing experience. The specifications, although identical, bring their unique touches to the feel upon bottoming out and releasing a keystroke, which can influence personal preference. Thus, while the fundamental building blocks of these switches may be the same, the subtle differences in feel and sound can lead users to select one over the other based on their specific tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter keyboard feel, which facilitates extended typing sessions and reduces fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The differences in weight indicate that users favoring a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Box White V2, while those desiring a firmer keystroke could opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier switch, providing distinct tactile experiences for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, we see a difference in their travel distances. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction means that if you favor responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Akko V3 will provide a more immediate response due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Box White V2, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, your preference will guide your choice: go for the V3 Cream Black Pro if you prioritize speed, or choose the Box White V2 if you enjoy deeper keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches are known for their crisp tactile feedback and pronounced audible click that provides a distinct auditory signal upon actuation. This sharp click is satisfying for typists who enjoy feedback through sound, making them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a traditional clicky switch experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a poppy and clacky sound profile, characterized as high-pitched, which produces a sharp and crisp sound upon actuation. The sound of the V3 Cream Black Pro can also be particularly appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more agile auditory experience, differentiating the two switches firmly in terms of auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile experience, though specific details about the tactile nature aren't provided. By contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a creamy texture, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. Additionally, this switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a lively spring-like response with each keystroke, which contributes to an engaging typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro is also described as snappy, thanks to its responsive nature, and polished, which hints at reduced friction and a refined key travel experience. This blend of characteristics makes the V3 stand out in terms of tactile sensation and overall typing engagement.
In summary, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you favor an audible click and a traditional experience, the Box White V2 is your go-to, while the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a smoother and livelier alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will greatly depend on your personal typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches ultimately hinges on your personal preference for typing experience and the specific tasks you intend to perform. If you appreciate a light touch and enjoy a clicky, tactile feedback with a satisfying audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is the switch for you. This makes it ideal for typing or gaming scenarios where you want to feel and hear each keystroke, providing an engaging experience, especially for those who love the nostalgia of classic mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and creamier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be a better fit. Its buttery feel and delightful poppy sound not only enhance your typing comfort but also offer an enjoyable experience during extended use without the fatigue that can come from lighter switches. So, whether you're diving into marathon work sessions or gaming at high levels, the choice between tactile feedback and smoothness will guide you toward making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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