Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch is crucial, and two popular contenders are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky feedback, offering a crispy tactile sensation paired with an audible click that many typists and gamers find satisfying and energizing. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy the classic, clicky feel reminiscent of vintage typewriters and prefer to hear their keystrokes as they type. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards a tactile experience, delivering a delightful poppy and clacky sound combined with a smooth action, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users who desire performance without sacrificing auditory feedback. The Cream Blue Pro is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a lively typing experience, with its "bouncy" and "snappy" characteristics adding an extra dimension to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your typing preferences, but 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
50g
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
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, one notable similarity is their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for users who want to illuminate their keyboards with RGB lighting, as it allows for optimal light diffusion and visibility. Therefore, both switches will provide a similarly vibrant visual and auditory experience when used in an RGB setup, emphasizing a clear sound quality associated with their polycarbonate tops.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches diverge in character despite being composed of the same material. Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro have nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing sound better than harder plastics, which results in a more subdued and rounder auditory experience during typing. The nylon’s sound-dampening properties contrast with the crisp higher notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing, leading to a unique blend of auditory characteristics that can enrich typing dynamics.
These contrasting materials also influence the overall sound and feel when engaging with the switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the tactile experience during key presses, affecting how deep the sound feels at the bottom-out point. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing shapes the sound produced upon release. Given they both share polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom, users can expect a harmonious interplay of clarity and warmth, creating an overall balanced auditory experience for both models. The combination facilitates a well-rounded soundscape, ensuring that every key press and release delivers a satisfying acoustic signature that typists and gamers alike may appreciate.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch present an interesting comparison when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming without significant fatigue. However, the contrast becomes evident in their bottom out forces; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro registers a slightly heavier 55 grams. As a result, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more substantial pressing feel at the bottom compared to the lighter Box White V2. Thus, while users of both switches can enjoy a similar actuation experience, those seeking a heavier tactile feedback will find the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro preferable due to its greater bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of responsiveness, gamers might favor the shorter distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro for quicker actuation times, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Box White V2 for its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 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.
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 White V2 switches are celebrated for their sharp, crisp audible clicks that provide a precise auditory cue with each keystroke. This clicky feedback not only draws attention but also enhances the experience of typing, making it particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced sound with every press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches exhibit a lively pop and clacky sound profile that users often find both engaging and cheerful. Both switches deliver an unmistakable auditory response, but while the Box White V2 leans towards a sharper click, the Cream Blue Pro offers a more playful and rounded sound. Of course, the overall loudness and quality can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and choice of keycaps.
When discussing the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches deliver a solid tactile bump that is well-defined and satisfying, although they may not be as polished in terms of smoothness compared to other options. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro shines with its combination of accented tactility, bounciness, and snappy responsiveness. It offers a medium tactile sensation that is engaging but not overwhelming, ensuring that typists can enjoy a lively rebound with each keystroke. Furthermore, the polished nature of the V3 adds to the smooth overall experience, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate both texture and refined key travel.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches cater to different preferences yet promise engaging auditory and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 is perfect for users who resonate with a sharp clicky sound and a solid tactile feel, while the Cream Blue Pro supports a lively sound and a refined tactile experience paired with a notable smoothness. Depending on the keyboard setup and personal preference, each switch offers distinctive qualities that can enrich your typing or gaming sessions, leading to a satisfying and enjoyable use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro should align with your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you thrive on crisp tactile feedback and enjoy the attention-grabbing audible clicks that the Box White V2 offers, particularly in a lighter switch that demands only 50 grams of force, this switch would be an excellent choice for your typing and gaming needs. The clickiness and precise tactile feel might appeal to you if you're looking for an engaging typing experience, especially if you find satisfaction in the rhythm and sound of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile feedback that is both bouncy and snappy, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro's medium-light actuation at 55 grams could be more to your liking. With its distinct clacky sound and polished feel, it delivers a lively typing experience that is great for both everyday use and gaming, making it a superb option if you're looking for quality on a budget. In essence, prioritize the Box White V2 for a traditional clicky feel and sound, while the Cream Blue Pro offers more versatility with its smoothness and tactile enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and the kind of auditory and tactile feedback you want from your mechanical keyboard.
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