Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stand out, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch known for its pronounced tactile feedback and an unmistakable click sound, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate auditory and tactile confirmation with each keystroke. This switch can enhance the typing experience by providing clear cues, fostering a more engaging interaction with your keyboard. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that features a notable tactile bump, paired with a deeper, bassier sound profile. This switch appeals to users who enjoy the responsiveness of a tactile feel without the distinct click noise, offering a quieter yet satisfying experience for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the sharp click of the Kailh Box White V2 or the satisfying bump of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience when typing. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which allows sound waves to resonate more clearly. This is particularly advantageous for enthusiasts utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects, giving users a dual aesthetic benefit. Thus, both switches share an essential characteristic in their top housings, promising users a vibrant visual experience alongside distinct audio clarity.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, which significantly alters their sound profiles. Nylon is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound, as its softer composition absorbs more sound waves than the stiffer polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder auditory signature, particularly noticeable during the bottoming out of keys. Consequently, while the upper reaches of the acoustic profile may be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing will imbue the typing experience with a richer depth. This shared nylon material suggests that users can anticipate a consistent, deeper sound across both models when pressing down on the keys.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro share common ground in their top housing materials and the resulting sound and aesthetic qualities, their bottom housings create a notable contrast. The combination of polycarbonate tops in both switches leads to a bright auditory experience, while the nylon bottoms provide a warmer, fuller sound quality. Together, these elements ensure that users will experience a harmonious blending of auditory and tactile sensations, whether they choose one switch over the other.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, a few key differences emerge. The Box White V2 has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the lighter 30 grams of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. This means that the Kailh switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke, which may appeal to users seeking a more robust typing experience. However, both switches share an identical bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in a consistent feel when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Kailh Box White V2 caters to those who enjoy a heavier tactile push. In summary, the Akko switch offers a significantly lighter actuation force, albeit with the same bottom out force as its Kailh counterpart.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is generally considered deeper compared to the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro's shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This distinction suggests that users who prioritize a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Box White V2, while those seeking quicker response times—often favored by gamers—might find the Akko V3 more appealing due to its shallower distance. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the longer option, whereas the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter one.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 is characterized by its very distinct and sharp click, providing a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clear and pronounced sound can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy an audible confirmation of their typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro produces a louder sound signature that leans more towards the bassy side, giving it a deeper and more resonant quality compared to the Box White V2. While both switches are loud, the nature of the sound differs, with the Box White V2 offering a higher-pitched click and the Creamy Purple Pro delivering a heavier, fuller sound.
Regarding the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is designed with a tactile and responsive bump that culminates in the audible click, making each key press feel engaging and crisp. This feedback is beneficial for typists who appreciate a clear signal when their key has been activated. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, on the other hand, features a larger tactile bump that provides a more pronounced sensation when bottoming out, which can enhance typing accuracy and reduce the likelihood of accidental presses. Users might find the Creamy Purple Pro delivers a more substantial tactile engagement compared to the more subtle feedback of the Box White V2.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches offer unique sensory experiences centered on sound and feel. While they both produce loud and engaging sounds, their tonal characteristics differ, providing users with distinct aural feedback. The tactile experiences are also varied, with the Box White V2 focusing on a crisp, clicky feel, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a more substantial tactile bump. Depending on personal preference, one may choose between the sharp click of the Box White V2 or the heavier tactility of the Creamy Purple Pro, but both switches can lead to satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard experience. If you find joy in the sharp, crisp feedback and pronounced audibility that comes from a clicky switch, then the Box White V2 may be your ideal fit, especially for typing tasks where that tactile bump and sound can enhance your rhythm and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience combined with a prominent tactile bump, the Creamy Purple Pro could be the better option for you, especially if you're engaged in gaming or extended typing sessions where such tactile sensations can help you maintain control and flow without the overbearing clicks. Both switches having a 50-gram actuation force means that your choice will largely hinge on the tactile and auditory characteristics unique to each switch. Ultimately, consider testing each type if possible, as personal preference plays a significant role in finding the perfect typing companion for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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