Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options that often draw attention are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky nature, delivering a crisp tactile feedback and an audible click that appeals to typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. This switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, making it ideal for those who thrive on the lively engagement of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a distinctly different experience, characterized by its linear design. Known for its easy-to-press, bouncy, and polished feel, this switch provides a smooth typing experience with a satisfying pop and clack sound, catering to users who prefer a more muted auditory profile without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Both switches come with their unique advantages, whether you lean towards a pronounced click or a cleaner, gliding keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Both the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches share the same top housing material—polycarbonate. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the polycarbonate's stiff nature. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting in their keyboards, as it allows for a more vivid display of colors, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. Given that both switches utilize this material, users can expect similar auditory and visual effects when using either switch, particularly when it comes to the clarity and resonance of sounds produced during typing.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of both switches differ, with both employing nylon to achieve a distinct acoustic quality. The Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro use nylon in the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic characteristics, allowing it to absorb more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate. As a result, when typing on either switch, users will notice a rounder and more muted sound produced at the bottom-out of each keypress, contrasting with the brighter tones achieved by the polycarbonate top housing during the release of the key.
Overall, while both switches share the same materials in their top and bottom housings, the specific combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a distinct sound experience. Users will feel the polycarbonate's impact during the key release, delivering a crisp sound, while the nylon will enhance the sound quality during the bottom-out phase, resulting in a more well-rounded acoustic profile. For those who prioritize both aesthetic RGB lighting and a varied sound experience, these switches offer a familiar but nuanced typing feel—allowing for a balance between vibrancy and depth in their sound signature.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that might appeal to those seeking a stronger push. While both switches effectively serve their respective audiences, the Box White V2 is the lighter option, promoting a more effortless keystroke experience, whereas the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, being heavier, offers a tactile feedback that some users might find more satisfying in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Box White V2 measuring 3.6 mm and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro at 3.3 mm. This makes the Akko switch the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial and hearty feel, which might appeal to users who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, while both switches can yield effective results in various scenarios, the choice between them 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 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.
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 switch produces a pronounced and crisp click that is distinctly audible, making it highly appealing for those who enjoy a sharp auditory feedback during typing. This clicky nature is particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a loud confirmation when a key is pressed. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, on the other hand, delivers a poppy and clacky sound that strikes a balance between playful and engaging. While neither switch is overwhelmingly quiet, the Box White V2 stands out for its more focused click, while the V3 leans towards a broader tonal experience that might feel lively, depending on the keyboard and keycap setup used.
When considering the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile response that is crisp, allowing for a clear distinction between each key press and providing a sense of feedback that typists often find encouraging. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, making it incredibly comfortable for extended use. The light actuation force of the Cream Yellow Pro, combined with its bouncy and snappy characteristics, creates a surprisingly dynamic typing experience. This switch offers a pleasingly smooth and polished journey, giving the user a less strained experience over time, compared to the more tactile focus of the Box White V2.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. If you seek a distinct auditory click coupled with tactile feedback, the Box White V2 may be the perfect choice. Conversely, if a smoother typing experience with a vibrant sound appeals to you, the Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent option. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize the crisp, loud feedback of the Box White or the lively and effortless comfort of the V3. Both switches offer enjoyable characteristics, ensuring that whether you choose one over the other, you’ll have a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor an audible and tactile feedback while typing, the Box White V2’s crisp click sound and light 50-gram actuation make it a great option for enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing experience. They're especially appealing if you spend a lot of time typing documents or programming, where the auditory feedback can enhance your engagement and help with rhythm. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more muted keypress with a slightly heavier 60-gram actuation, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better fit. The gentle resistance and polished feel of the Akko switches cater well to prolonged typing sessions, making them ideal if you enjoy gaming or extensive writing without finger fatigue. In various scenarios, choosing the right switch revolves around personal typing style, preference for sound, and desired tactile feedback, so consider trying both types to see which resonates with you the most.
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