Kailh Box White vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro offer distinct typing experiences for users. The Box White is a clicky switch known for its maximum audio feedback, with a crunchy and resonant feel akin to stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is a linear switch that provides a smooth and substantial keystroke, resulting in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Box White appeals to those who enjoy a crunchy and high-pitched typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro caters to individuals looking for a bouncy and clacky key press. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Box White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the same properties of nylon.
With both switches sharing polycarbonate top housings, users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetics when using RGB lighting. The key difference lies in the nylon bottom housing, where the Box White and V3 Matcha Green Pro diverge in sound quality. While both switches offer a rounder sound due to the softness of nylon, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the two. The bottom housing plays a significant role in how the switch feels when pressed, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile response.
Weight
Both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have medium actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams, while the bottom out force is also slightly lighter at 60 grams for the Box White and 63 grams for the Matcha Green Pro. This means that the Box White may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly heavier feel. However, both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience for those who prefer a moderate amount of force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box White. The Box White clicky switch falls into the category of a shorter travel distance switch, which is often preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch with a slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress with greater depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, which can be likened to the sound of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. This switch provides a clean and sharp auditory experience that is immersive and satisfying for those who enjoy clicky switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White offering a more classic clicky sound while the Matcha Green Pro delivers a sharp and snappy clack.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation that gives a sense of rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Matcha Green Pro switch is also described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Box White focusing on a polished and refined feel while the Matcha Green Pro prioritizes a bouncy and smooth sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a classic clicky sound with accented tactility and a polished typing feel, while the Matcha Green Pro delivers a sharp and clacky sound with a bouncy and smooth typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying options for typists and gamers. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for clicky or linear switches, as well as the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a crunchy tactile experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and substantial keystroke with a sharp bottom-out and clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize loud clicky feedback or a smoother, more solid keystroke. Keep in mind your personal typing preferences and overall typing experience when making your selection.
Mentioned in this article
