Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of various options. The Kailh Box White V2, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and audible click sound, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who enjoy a pronounced response with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth and uninterrupted feel throughout the keystroke while delivering a lively snappy sound that brings a delightful acoustic quality to the typing experience. While the Box White V2 appeals to those who relish tactile feedback and auditory cues, the V3 Piano Pro caters to users seeking a seamless and fluid typing experience devoid of any bumps or clicks. Each switch thus presents its own unique strengths, catering to different preferences and styles of use. 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
3.50 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
Nylon
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 Piano Pro, we observe a notable difference in their top housing compositions. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's rigidity. This characteristic can drastically influence the auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate is translucent and allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. By contrast, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, the top housing of the Kailh Box White V2 tends to amplify the brightness of its sound, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a warmer acoustic character.
Both switches, however, share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, the experience generated by the bottom housing remains consistent. The nylon bottom housing provides a rich and deep sound profile, softening the impact sound when the switch is bottomed out. This consistency in materials ensures that regardless of the acoustic differences at the top housing level, users will enjoy a similar sound dampening effect and a comparable feel when pressing each switch down. The depth and fullness imparted by nylon in the lower housing balances the brighter qualities of polycarbonate in the Box White V2 and reinforces the warmer tones of the V3 Piano Pro.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a common auditory foundation. The disparity in the upper housings produces distinctive sound profiles that appeal to different preferences; some users may prefer the clarity of the polycarbonate, while others might favor the warmth of nylon. Ultimately, both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit colored by their respective top housing materials, underlining the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both switches share an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same level of force to register a keystroke. This equivalent actuation force allows for a similar typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams and the V3 Piano Pro at 55 grams. This makes the V3 Piano Pro marginally heavier in terms of bottoming out, providing a more pronounced resistance as users press down fully. Consequently, for those who prefer a lighter touch overall, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the more suitable choice, while users who enjoy a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out might lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for more traditional key feel with a bit of depth, the Box White V2 provides that extra millimeter, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, being the shorter option, may appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feel in their keystrokes. Both switches are within the realm of shorter travel distances, but the Box White V2 stands out for its greater depth, catering to preferences for a more tactile 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 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches deliver a crisp, sharp click with every keystroke, offering a distinctly audible feedback that many typists enjoy for its satisfying quality. This clicky nature adds a layer of engagement and can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who thrive on auditory cues. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches produce a lively sound signature characterized by their clacky and resonant qualities. Each keystroke is not only crisp and bright but also carries a percussive appeal that many users find energizing. While both switches provide impressive auditory feedback, the Box White V2 focuses on the pronounced click, whereas the V3 Piano Pro offers a broader range of snappy sounds that can feel more dynamic during use.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback that is integral to their clicky nature, making each actuation distinct and reassuring. However, specific descriptors related to the tactile sensation of this switch are not detailed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are designed to offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a bouncy, creamy feel. The long pole design may aid in creating an elastic rebound, while the potential use of lubricant contributes to a smooth, silky typing sensation that glides effortlessly during each keystroke. This makes the Piano Pro switches particularly appealing for users seeking a refined and luxurious typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and comfort.
In summary, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches make compelling choices for different typing preferences. The Box White V2 excels in delivering a tactile and audible feedback that's crisp and satisfying, while the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its lively sound profile and smooth, bouncy feel, providing a more fluid experience. Depending on whether one prefers a tactile click or a silky, snappy keystroke, either switch can be chosen to suit individual taste, emphasizing how personal typing dynamics can greatly influence one’s ultimate satisfaction with their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a light touch and enjoy the satisfying auditory feedback of a clicky switch, the Box White V2 may be your ideal option. Its crisp tactile feedback and pronounced click sound make every keystroke feel engaging, perfect for those who relish feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly firmer key feel with a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would suit you better. Its medium-light actuation, combined with a clacky yet resonant sound profile, allows for a lively typing experience that feels both bouncy and silky. This switch is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, where comfort and a pleasant tactile experience are key. In short, consider your priorities in feedback, sound, and typing feel when making your choice between these two distinct user experiences.
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