Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro present compelling choices, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinct clicky feedback, offering a crisp tactile response accompanied by an audible click that many typists find satisfying and energizing. This makes them an excellent option for users who enjoy a more traditional, responsive typing feel and a sensory feedback that enhances productivity. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches stand out with their unique combination of a pleasing higher-pitched sound profile coupled with a tactile bump, providing a delightful and smooth typing experience. Classified as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, these switches are ideal for individuals seeking a blend of comfort and auditory pleasure while typing. Ultimately, the choice between a clicky switch and a tactile switch may hinge upon your personal typing style and sound preferences; 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Lavender Purple Pro share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both of which utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to their distinct auditory profiles, resulting in sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The polycarbonate's stiffer composition ensures resonance, allowing the switches to produce a clear sound that is particularly advantageous for those who favor RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when illuminated. As such, users seeking a bright and crisp auditory experience will find that both switches deliver comparable acoustic results, thanks to their identical top housing material.
When contrasting the bottom housing materials, both switches diverge as the Kailh Box White V2 features nylon, which inherently offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a more muted and rounder sound when compared to the clear and resonant tones provided by the polycarbonate top. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, thus maintaining a consistent auditory experience. The result is that while both models possess the same bottom housing material, they each create a sound profile that complements their respective top housing, with the Box White V2's setup leaning more towards sharper highs and the Lavender Purple Pro providing a more rounded experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials used in both the top and bottom housings of these switches offers distinct tactile and auditory characteristics. While the polycarbonate top housing enhances brightness and clarity in sound, the nylon bottom housing facilitates a fuller sound, influencing how each switch feels and sounds when pressed. Users can expect similar outcomes in specific sonic qualities, such as sharper highs and softer lows, due to the shared materials. This duality underscores how variations between top and bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience while providing room for customization based on user preference.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing similar ease of triggering a keystroke, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Box White V2 has a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Lavender Purple Pro's 55 grams. This difference indicates that the Box White V2 is overall lighter, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, being slightly heavier at the bottom out stage, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Thus, while both switches share the same actuation force, the V3 is heavier in terms of bottom out, offering distinct typing sensations for users to consider based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on each switch, you'll experience a more pronounced depth with the Akko switch, making it potentially more satisfying for those who prefer a hearty feel. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Box White V2 could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In this comparison, the Kailh Box White V2 is the shorter option, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro takes the prize for longer travel. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing experience, the Box White V2 would be the preferable choice, whereas the Akko switch may better cater to those who appreciate a deeper tactile response.
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 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 deliver a distinctly sharp click that is crisp and pronounced, making it a favorite for users who enjoy an audible confirmation of each keypress. This characteristic sharpness can contribute to a satisfying auditory experience, especially for touch typists. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches produce a higher-pitched sound profile that many users find delightful. This pitch can add a unique tonal quality to the typing experience that differs from the deeper, more pronounced click of the Box White V2. It’s important to note that the sound of either switch can be influenced by the specific keyboard housing and choice of keycaps, so personal setup plays a crucial role.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback, which creates a clear distinction between key presses, although it does not feature the same degree of tactility as more heavily tactile switches. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro, on the other hand, offers a multi-faceted tactile sensation. Users can expect a medium-level tactile bump that strikes a balance—neither overwhelming nor subtle—alongside a bouncy, snappy responsiveness that makes typing feel invigorating. Furthermore, its polished nature ensures smooth travel throughout the key's travel, enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced friction. This combination contributes to a delightful typing experience that many users appreciate.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches present their own unique auditory and tactile characteristics. The Box White V2's sharp and crisp sound paired with a more straightforward tactile feedback caters to those who appreciate a classic clicky experience, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched auditory profile along with a nuanced, bouncy tactile experience that excites many typists. Both switches cater to different preferences, and which one to choose ultimately depends on what aspects of sound and feel you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches, your choice should depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter, more clicky switch that offers pronounced tactile feedback and an audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for typists who appreciate a more engaged typing experience, making it great for coding or writing where auditory confirmation of each keystroke can enhance focus. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between tactile and subdued feedback without overwhelming noise, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro might be more your style. Its medium-light resistance and accented tactile bump provide a lively feel that’s ideal for both typing and gaming, offering snappy responsiveness coupled with smooth key travel. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize crisp, clicky sounds for an engaging typing experience or a more balanced, refined touch that supports both work and play effectively.
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