Kailh Box White vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch. The Box White switch is favored for its satisfying clicky sound and pronounced tactility, evoking a feeling akin to stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is lauded for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a smooth and tactile typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the differences in their bottom housings set them apart. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
One key difference between the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro lies in their bottom housings. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the impact differs in the overall typing experience. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing in the Box White creates a duller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a more subdued typing experience compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. However, both switches still retain the benefits of using nylon, such as a deeper and fuller sound profile that complements the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Kailh Box White and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a unique typing experience. The split between the qualities of each housing material allows for a balance in sound when typing and releasing keys. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a blend of sharp, clear sound and deep, full tones.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch's 45 grams, making it the heavier option of the two. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Box White is 60 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it the heavier switch overall. Some users may prefer the Box White for its slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation and bottom out forces. However, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro, as it offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, both switches provide different force requirements that cater to different typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In comparing the two, the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance than the V3 Cream Blue Pro. However, both fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the Box White, while those who enjoy a slightly softer feel may prefer the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue 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 Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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 switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched qualities, giving users a clean and sharp auditory experience with a distinctive crunchy sound reminiscent of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a poppy and clacky sound profile that is both lively and smooth. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more sharp and crunchy while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a smoother and poppier sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as having a polished finish that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is defined as being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent. The bouncy and snappy nature of the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch gives users a lively and responsive typing feel, while the polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes.
Overall, the Kailh Box White switch excels in providing a crunchy and high-pitched sound profile with a polished feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking maximum audio feedback and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound accompanied by a bouncy and snappy tactile feel that is accented and polished. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize maximum audio feedback and enjoy a crunchy, high-pitched and resonant sound profile while typing, the Box White switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a poppy and clacky sound with a smooth and tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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