Kailh Box White V2 vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Keygeek Briny represent two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky, tactile feedback, providing an audible and satisfying click with each keystroke, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more engaging and responsive experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny switches offer a smoother, linear feel with an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a balanced sound profile that caters to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter operation without tactile interruptions. Each switch presents unique advantages: the Box White V2 is ideal for those who enjoy the nostalgia of classic typewriter clicks, while the Briny entices those looking for fluidity in their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Keygeek Briny both showcase a unique blend of materials that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity allows it to resonate in a way that produces a more pronounced auditory feedback when a key is pressed. Particularly noteworthy is its translucency, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal—especially in RGB setups—but also contributes to the brightness of the sound produced. In contrast, the Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the mechanical keyboard community that promotes a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties mean it absorbs more sound, leading to a subdued yet rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material composition between the switches results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
Beneath the surface, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Keygeek Briny share a commonality: they both feature nylon as the bottom housing material. This consistency means that users will experience a similar base sound quality that is rich and rounded when bottoming out. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound and provides a fuller tactile feedback, making every keystroke feel more substantial. This characteristic helps to unify the typing experience, although the differences established by the top housing still maintain a noticeable impact on overall sound perception. Thus, while both switches employ nylon bottoms to ground their tactile feel, the variation in top materials leads to an exciting contrast; the Box White V2 will generate a brighter, crisper sound, while the Briny may offer a richer, more muted experience.
Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles emerge not just from the choice of materials, but also from how these materials interact when pressed. The Kailh Box White V2's polycarbonate top housing is tailored for clarity and brightness, influencing the release sound prominently, while its nylon bottom works to create a fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Keygeek Briny, with its nylon top housing, delivers a more rounded auditory signature throughout the keypress motion. Nevertheless, the consistency of nylon in the bottom housing unifies the tactile experience across both switches, ensuring that while the auditory feedback varies, the physical response remains comfortably similar. In essence, users can expect that although they may prefer one sound profile over another, both switches provide a high level of performance, thanks in part to their quality materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those seeking a more effortless typing experience during extended use, such as long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists may prefer for its tactile feedback. Therefore, while the Kailh Box White V2 can be ideal for users prioritizing comfort and reduced strain, the Keygeek Briny offers a firmer resistance that might appeal to those who enjoy a heavier switch. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Box White V2 is the better choice, while the Briny is better suited for individuals looking for that stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, as the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Therefore, whether you choose the Box White V2 or the Briny, you will achieve comparable results in terms of key travel, making either switch a suitable choice depending on your preference for clicky or linear feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 V2 switches are notable for their distinct and sharp click sound that can be very satisfying for typists and gamers alike, creating an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This pronounced click not only provides feedback but also adds a layer of excitement to typing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile with a more subdued character, emphasizing smooth keystrokes without the pronounced audible feedback. Therefore, if you prefer an active and expressive typing experience, the Box White V2 will suit you, while the Briny will be ideal for those who appreciate a quieter and more subdued typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 delivers a distinct tactile response along with its click, providing clear feedback that indicates when a key has been actuated. This sensation can enhance typing speed and accuracy for those who thrive on tactile interaction. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny is characterized by its smooth, uninterrupted action typical of linear switches, allowing for a fluid typing experience without the tactile bump or audible click. If you are a typist who enjoys clear feedback and responsiveness, the Box White V2 is likely to be more gratifying. Those who prefer a seamless typing experience without the awareness of individual keystrokes may find the Briny more suitable.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 switches are recognized for their loud click and tactile feedback, the Keygeek Briny linear switches offer a more muted sound and smooth feel. Depending on your preferences for auditory cues and tactile sensations, your choice between the two will ultimately shape your typing encounters. If you value an engaging and responsive typing experience, the Box White V2 might be the way to go, whereas those looking for a quieter and smoother keystroke would do well with the Briny.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and satisfying audible click that the Box White V2 provides, particularly when typing medium to fast, this switch might be ideal for you, especially if your work involves heavy text input or programming where tactile cues can enhance your efficiency. The 50-gram actuation force could also make this switch feel less straining over long typing sessions for those who appreciate a lighter feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keystroke without the distraction of a click, the Briny linear switch may be your best option. Its medium 60-gram bottom-out force offers a sturdier feel, making it advantageous for gaming or other fast-paced activities where rapid keystrokes are necessary without the excess sound of a click. In summary, choose the Box White V2 for an engaging typing experience with tactile feedback, while the Briny linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more subdued yet firm feel during use.
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