Gateron Beer vs. Kailh Box White V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Box White V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect balance between tactile feedback, sound, and actuation force, and two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Box White V2. The Gateron Beer switches are known for their remarkable tactile sensation, inspired by the effervescence of a Tsingtao beer bottle, delivering a unique stepped tactility that feels lighter and more nuanced than typical switches. Accompanied by a distinctive clacky sound signature, these switches are favored by those who enjoy a more subtle tactile experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 switches excel in providing a pronounced clicky response, featuring crisp tactile feedback and an audible click that many typists and gamers appreciate for its satisfying and definitive feel. While the Beer switches might attract those who prefer ease of keystroke with a vibrant sound, the Box White V2 caters to individuals seeking a more pronounced auditory experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Kailh Box White V2 switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to similarities in sound profile and aesthetic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking clarity in their keystrokes. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds an attractive visual element, particularly advantageous for users who wish to illuminate their keyboards with RGB lighting. Because the top housing contributes significantly to the sound produced when a key is released, both switches are likely to exhibit a resonant quality, ensuring that users enjoy a satisfying auditory experience.
However, the materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings of the two switches. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the switch's consistency in sound properties, while the Kailh Box White V2 utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This choice of nylon imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a contrast to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate materials. The softer nylon absorbs more sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience during key presses, particularly when bottoming out. This fundamental difference means that while both top housings produce bright sounds, the overall acoustic experience will vary significantly depending on the bottom housing's material.
In essence, the interplay between the housing materials of the two switches produces unique sound profiles. The Gateron Beer maintains a consistent sound across both housing types, resulting in a cleaner and more pronounced keystroke. Conversely, the Kailh Box White V2 combines the crispness of its polycarbonate top with the deeper tones of its nylon bottom, creating a more nuanced sound with a different bottom-out experience. Ultimately, users can expect distinct auditory experiences from each switch based on these material differences, making their choice dependent on personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, we find some distinct differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain the same. The Gateron Beer requires a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to press and suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, resulting in less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 demands a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches bottom out at 50 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. Therefore, while both switches can deliver a light typing experience overall, the Gateron Beer is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it the more ideal choice for users seeking comfort during prolonged use, whereas the Kailh Box White V2 caters to those who enjoy a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, we find noticeable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Kailh Box White V2's 3.6 mm travel distance. This 0.2 mm difference means that the Gateron Beer is better suited for those who value a quick response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prefer shorter travel distances for faster inputs. In contrast, the longer 3.6 mm travel of the Box White V2 may offer a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a deeper press and a tactile experience, providing a satisfying resistance before bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches offer unique benefits, the Gateron Beer is ideal for those seeking rapid actuation, while the Kailh Box White V2 caters to those who enjoy a heartier typing sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch produces a distinctive clacky noise, characterized by its sharp and snappy sound profile. This clacky signature offers a crisp and bright auditory feedback that is pleasing to the ears, making each keystroke feel more lively and dynamic. On the other hand, while the Kailh Box White V2 switches are known for their clicky nature, specific descriptors of their sound were not provided. However, clicky switches typically present a more pronounced and satisfying audible feedback, which could potentially complement the tactile experience they offer, providing a contrast to the Beer switch's clackiness.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Beer switch excels with its lightweight design and stepped tactility. This means that users will experience a gentler resistance when pressing down, requiring minimal force while still providing distinct feedback as they reach the actuation point. The stepped feel is subtler, allowing for a more nuanced interaction during typing sessions, often translating to reduced finger fatigue. In comparison, no specifics are given about the feel of the Kailh Box White V2 switches, but it's known that clicky switches generally provide a strong tactile bump, offering feedback that is more pronounced than that of the Beer, which may result in a more engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics. The Beer switch presents a clacky sound profile along with a lightweight, stepped feel that is soft on the fingers, making it potentially more suited for long typing sessions. Conversely, without specific information on the Box White V2's sound and feel, we can only infer that its clicky nature will deliver a more intense tactile feedback paired with an audible click that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feedback during usage, where both can deliver satisfying results in their own ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lighter, easy-to-press feel and enjoy a subtler tactile feedback, the Beer switches are an excellent choice. Their stepped tactility and clacky sound make them ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, perfect for casual users or those who value comfort while typing. On the other hand, if you thrive on a more pronounced clicky experience with crisp tactile feedback and enjoy the auditory satisfaction that comes from each keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 might be your go-to. Their distinctive click sound and solid feedback are well-suited for typists who appreciate the classic mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean toward a smooth and comfortable typing experience with the Beers or a more engaging and responsive feel with the Box White V2s.
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