Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Box White V2 switches are defined by their clicky nature, delivering a pronounced tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, making them ideal for typists who enjoy pronounced sensations and sounds while they type. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches offer a linear experience characterized by a smooth, creamy feel and a polished motion that appeals to both gamers and typists seeking a satisfying, silent workflow. While the Box White V2 might attract users who prefer the classic clicky feedback, the Matcha Green Pro caters to those looking for a more muted soundscape and fluid typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff composition. The translucency of polycarbonate may also enhance the aesthetic appeal of these switches, particularly when RGB lighting is used, as the light can diffuse beautifully through the clear material. This shared choice of polycarbonate for their top housing suggests users of both switches can expect a bright and resonant sound that characterizes their typing experience.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a significant differentiation in their overall sound profiles. Nylon is regarded as a classic and softer switch housing material, which absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer alternatives. As a result, both the Box White V2 and the V3 Matcha Green Pro produce a deeper, fuller sound profile when bottoming out. This characteristic leads to an overall rounder and more subdued auditory response compared to the higher-pitched sounds propagated by the polycarbonate top. Users of both switches will notice that the sound and feel of bottoming out will be significantly impacted by the nylon materials, contributing to a richer tactile experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing is consistent between the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, leading to similar sound profiles that blend crispness with depth. The top housings enhance the sharpness of sound upon releasing the key, while the nylon bottoms contribute to a warmer, fuller noise when a key is pressed down. As a result, switch users will find a convergence in both models' acoustic signatures, highlighting the effective interplay between these two distinct materials. Despite the differences in aesthetic design, the similarities in housing materials result in akin acoustic performances that typing enthusiasts will appreciate.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro features a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to users seeking a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, for users who prioritize a lighter switch, the Box White V2 would be the preferable option, while those who prefer a stronger tactile push should opt for the V3 Matcha Green Pro. As such, these two switches cater to different user preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces, making the choice between them largely dependent on whether one values a lighter touch or a heavier resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Matcha Green Pro may provide a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the key, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Box White V2 could cater to gamers looking for faster response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a quicker, more responsive action, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice, whereas the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro would suit those who enjoy a more substantial key travel 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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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 switches are noted for their crisp and definitive click, delivering a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback. This click creates a pronounced sound that enhances the enjoyment of typing, making it ideal for users who thrive on auditory cues. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches produce a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy profile that is both bright and percussive. This resonant quality can provide an immersive auditory sensation, similar to the Box Whites, but with a slight variation in texture—meaning that while both produce enjoyable sounds, the Matcha Greens lean towards a more resonant experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches often provide a tactile feedback akin to a clear demarcation when the switch is engaged, giving a satisfying bump that typists and gamers alike appreciate. However, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches excel in offering a notably smooth experience. Described as creamy and polished, they provide a lubricated, silky feel as your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This combination results in an incredibly refined and gratifying typing experience, whereas the Box White V2, while enjoyable, may feel less fluid due to its more pronounced tactile bump.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches each offer distinct traits, they each cater to specific preferences in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 delivers an auditory experience driven by its tactile click, whereas the Matcha Green Pro enchants users with its creamy, polished touch and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced click or a smooth, immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch fundamentally hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy the satisfaction of audible feedback and tactile response, the Box White V2 is likely to be your best bet. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without inducing fatigue, while its crisp clicking sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of your typing experience, especially if you find solace in that auditory confirmation of each keystroke. On the other hand, if your preference leans towards a smoother and more substantial feel, the heavier 63-gram bottom-out force of the Matcha Green Pro offers a delightful, creamy experience with an appealing clack that resonates as you type. This switch's silky and polished characteristics make it ideal for those who favor a refined tactile sensation, whether you're gaming or working on a lengthy document. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to whether you want the engaging feedback of a clicky switch or the smooth, immersive typing experience of a linear option.
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