Kailh Box Royal vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those seeking an aggressive tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a delightful typing experience with its satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile. While the Box Royal is characterized by its sharp and high-pitched qualities, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished attributes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences; 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
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housings of these switches contribute to a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer slightly different tactile feels due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal features a nylon top housing, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, in contrast to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Kailh Box Royal. Additionally, the polycarbonate material in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This aesthetic feature sets it apart from the opaque nylon top housing of the Kailh Box Royal.
Overall, while both switches have nylon bottom housings, they differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Kailh Box Royal emphasizes a softer and more absorbent sound profile with its nylon top housing, suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who enjoy a crisper typing feel. Users can choose between these switches based on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we can see that they have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Lavender Purple Pro's lighter 55 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Lavender Purple Pro allows for a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a tactile feel with a similar actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches both have a relatively high-pitched sound profile. The Box Royal offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, while the Lavender Purple Pro contributes to a delightful typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and how the sound complements your overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal is well-known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a combination of features such as an accented tactility, bouncy keys, snappy response, and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. If you prefer a more intense and aggressive tactile feel, the Box Royal may be the better option, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a medium tactile sensation with a lively bounce and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Box Royal excels in providing a sharp and aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more balanced and lively typing experience with its combination of accented tactility, bouncy keys, snappy response, and polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a very sharp, aggressive tactility with a higher pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force, a more accented tactile bump that is not overwhelming, and a bouncy and polished typing experience, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be more suited to your liking. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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