Kailh Box White vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Box White is beloved for its maximum audio feedback, offering a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility while typing. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro is praised for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to keystrokes. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences - the Box White for those who enjoy a clicky and resonant typing experience, and the V3 Piano Pro for those who prefer a bouncy and silky smooth actuation. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound than polycarbonate. While both materials offer their own unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Box White and V3 Piano Pro switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings can provide a more muted typing experience, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing option. Despite the differences in sound profile, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of softness and sound absorption.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Kailh Box White and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches showcases the versatility of switch construction. While the Box White emphasizes a sharper, crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the V3 Piano Pro opts for a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the choice between them ultimately depending on the user's preference for sound characteristics. In terms of bottom housings, the nylon material provides a consistent typing feel and sound absorption for a smoother overall typing experience on both switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the V3 Piano Pro needs 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of overall force required for keystrokes. The Box White offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a lighter touch that could be ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and comfort.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. While both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Box White is the longer option. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Box White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched experience, likened to the sound of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, described as sharp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more high-pitched and crunchy, while the V3 Piano Pro leans towards a snappier and clackier sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by being bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback sensation along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile qualities that cater to varying preferences, with the Box White focusing on a polished and refined feel, and the V3 Piano Pro offering a bouncier and creamier typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Box White delivers a resonant and high-pitched sound along with a polished and refined feel, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a clacky and resonant sound combined with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and are sure to enhance the overall typing experience for users seeking distinct auditory feedback and tactile sensations. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy maximum audio feedback and a tactile crunch while typing, the Box White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation and a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, the V3 Piano Pro switch might be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what aligns best with your typing experience.
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