Kailh Box White vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for discussion are the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The Box White is well-known for its clicky nature, offering maximum audio feedback with a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, allowing for effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound. The V3 Silver Pro also boasts light actuation force and shortened travel distance, ideal for scenarios where speed is paramount. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and use cases. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material choice is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches feature the same polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound.
The differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro highlight the impact each material has on the overall sound profile of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Box White absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper tone when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro creates a rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing. This common material choice ensures a consistent sound profile across both switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Box White's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique deep and full sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a slightly rounder tone. Both switches excel in providing sharp and crisp sound profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience. While the Box White offers a slightly heavier typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro provides a lighter and more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value quick response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Box White may appeal to those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, while the V3 Silver Pro may be preferred by those looking for a more responsive feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their relatively close travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver 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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is renowned for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing users with a crisp and sharp auditory experience akin to stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and pleasing, particularly suitable for gamers seeking a bassy sound with effortless keystrokes. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound, with the Box White providing a more immersive audio feedback experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Box White is known for its polished finish, offering smooth and refined key travel to enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro linear switch boasts an easy-to-press and creamy feel, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the V3 Silver Pro may appeal more to users looking for a smoother and buttery sensation with minimal resistance.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White clicky switch excels in providing a resonant and high-pitched sound profile coupled with a polished feel for a tactile experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch caters to gamers with its bassy sound and creamy, easy-to-press feel for enhanced keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect similar high-quality results from both switches in terms of responsiveness and comfort during typing or gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky feedback with a medium bottom out force, the Box White is ideal for you. The crunchy sound and accented tactility provide a satisfying typing experience. However, if you are a gamer looking for a smooth and fast keystroke with a light bottom out force, the V3 Silver Pro is the better choice. The easy-to-press and creamy feel of these switches offer a low-impact typing experience perfect for gaming or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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