Gateron Aliaz vs. Kailh Box White V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box White V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box White V2 is an intriguing clash of tactile sophistication versus audacious auditory feedback. The Gateron Aliaz switches are designed with a priority on silence, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is key. Their medium-heavy weight offers satisfying tactile feedback without the distraction of sound, appealing to users who enjoy a pronounced typing experience while maintaining a muted atmosphere. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a delightful clicky sound that many typists seek for a more engaging experience. Known for their crisp tactile feedback and audible click, these switches cater to those who appreciate each keystroke as an event, enhancing the joy of typing. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a quiet, polished feel or an expressive, audible response. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Kailh Box White V2 exhibit notable similarities in their top housing materials, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches, as polycarbonate’s rigidity allows for a more resonant character in the sound produced. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, making them particularly advantageous for setups featuring RGB lighting. Users can expect consistent acoustic performance from the top housings of both the Aliaz and Box White V2, with each offering a bright tonal quality that enhances the typing experience.
However, a significant contrast emerges in the bottom housing materials of these two switches. The Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which maintains the clear and resonant sound profile established by the top housing, contributing to a cohesive auditory experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 opts for nylon as its bottom housing material, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz, with a distinctively softer and more muted acoustic character on bottoming out. Thus, while the top housings may produce similar sound qualities, the bottom housings create starkly differing auditory experiences, which users might notice during typing.
Ultimately, the combined effects of these differing materials shape a unique overall sound and tactile feedback in each switch. With the Aliaz featuring polycarbonate throughout, it delivers a consistent, high-pitched sound that makes for an articulate typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2’s nylon bottom housing injects depth and warmth into the overall sound, resulting in a rounded and fuller auditory profile that contrasts with the sharper qualities of its polycarbonate top. Therefore, users who prioritize sound clarity may prefer the Gateron Aliaz, whereas those seeking a deeper, more subdued sound may be inclined toward the Kailh Box White V2, demonstrating how material choices crucially affect the performance and character of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aliaz switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Box White V2 is significantly lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in weight may influence user preference; those who favor lighter switches may find the Kailh Box White V2 more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to the easier keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Aliaz caters to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, as its heavier forces provide a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, for typists seeking a less fatiguing experience, the lighter Kailh Box White V2 is the preferable choice, while those who prefer more resistance in their keystrokes might opt for the Gateron Aliaz.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the distinct feel of each switch: the Aliaz caters to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, offering a traditional and hearty depth, while the Box White V2 appeals to gamers and users seeking quicker response times with its shorter actuation. For enthusiasts contemplating between the two, selecting the Aliaz would result in a more pronounced feel during typing, while the Box White V2 provides a snappier touch. Overall, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches are designed for quiet environments, producing a muted sound that is significantly softer than many traditional mechanical switches. This makes them ideal for office settings or shared spaces where minimal noise is preferred. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 switches offer a distinctly different auditory experience, characterized by a pronounced click sound that provides an audible confirmation with each keystroke. This clicky feedback can be satisfying for typists who enjoy a more engaging audio experience, but it may not be suitable for quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches offer a luxurious and smooth typing experience, often described as silky and polished. This is attributed to their medium-heavy weight, which enhances tactile feedback without adding excessive resistance. These qualities make for a refined typing experience, allowing for reduced friction during key presses and releases, ultimately resulting in comfortable and efficient typing. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a crisp tactile feedback with a firm actuation point. While they offer a satisfying click, they do not necessarily emphasize smoothness to the same extent as the Aliaz switches, making them better suited for those who prefer a more tactile and audible indication of their key presses.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Kailh Box White V2 switches cater to different typing preferences and situations. If you prioritize a quieter environment and smooth keystrokes, the Aliaz is clearly the better choice. Conversely, if you are looking for an engaging and clicky experience that offers more pronounced feedback, the Box White V2 would serve you well. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style, noise tolerance, and the environment in which you will be using your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you often type in quiet settings such as an office and value a switch that is both silent and provides a hefty tactile feel, the Gateron Aliaz is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 75 grams, you'll appreciate the substantial feedback without the distraction of noise, thanks to its muted sound profile and silky-smooth operation. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more interactive and engaging typing experience, perhaps in a home environment where sound is less of a concern, the Kailh Box White V2 would suit you better. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams, combined with the satisfying click sound and crisp tactile feedback, makes it ideal for those who thrive on the acoustic and tactile sensations of typing. In summary, consider your environment and typing style; whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth experience or a lively, audible one will guide you toward the switch that best fits your needs.
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