Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in tactile feedback and sound profile, and two popular contenders are the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Canglan V2. The Kailh Box White V2, recognized for its clicky nature, delivers a sharp tactile response combined with an audible click that many typists and gamers find satisfying and engaging. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate the feedback provided by each keystroke and enjoy the lively acoustics during use. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 presents a linear experience characterized by its thocky sound and smooth actuation. This switch is designed for enthusiasts who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, allowing for rapid key presses without the distraction of clicks. Each switch offers unique sensations that cater to different preferences; therefore, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Canglan V2, one can immediately notice the distinct differences in their top housing materials. The Box White V2 uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, creating a sound that resonates clearly and enhances the RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing. Nylon's softer plastic nature results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a sound that is rounder and less piercing than that of the Box White V2. This fundamental difference in top housing material sets the tonal character of each switch apart, making each one suited to different preferences for auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This commonality implies that when it comes to the feel and sound produced from the bottom-out experience, the two switches will perform similarly. The nylon material is recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that provides typists with a satisfying, cushioned feel when bottoming out. As a result, both switches can provide a consistent typing experience on the lower portion, despite their differing top housings. This emphasizes how the bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel of a keystroke, allowing for some convergence in user experience between the two models.
Ultimately, the variation in the top housing materials fundamentally distinguishes the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Canglan V2, while their shared nylon bottom housing fosters a degree of similarity in their overall typographic performance. Users who favor a high-pitched sound with more clarity may gravitate towards the Box White V2, while those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound should consider the Canglan V2. Nevertheless, both switches still deliver a comparable feel during the act of typing, exemplifying how a balance between distinct top housing characteristics and unified bottom housing materials can result in complementary switch experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Canglan V2 is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch will find the Canglan V2 to be the better option, as it requires less force to activate. On the other hand, the Box White V2, while still considered light, provides a slightly heavier touch which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you desire a lighter feel, the Canglan V2 excels, whereas the Box White V2 offers a firmer response, albeit still within the light category.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a more substantial feeling under your fingers, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Canglan V2, with its shorter travel distance, could provide a quicker actuation, appealing to gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it may still influence user preference: those seeking a heartier depth might lean towards the Box White V2, while those looking for quicker response times may find the Canglan V2 more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and speed, though the slight edge in travel distance goes to the Kailh Box White V2.
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 HMX Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 White V2 switch is characterized by its crisp, tactile feedback combined with a pronounced audible click that resonates clearly with every keystroke. This makes it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy the auditory confirmation of their inputs. Contrastingly, the HMX Canglan V2 produces a low-pitched, thocky sound signature that is deep and rich, akin to a soft knock. This sound is not just pleasant but also satisfying, providing an entirely different auditory experience that is ideal for those who prefer a more muted yet impactful noise while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2's tactile responsiveness is prominent, delivering a substantial feedback that many enthusiasts crave in a clicky switch. However, the Canglan V2 takes the typing experience to another level with its silky smoothness, feathery lightness, and bouncy characteristic. This combination ensures that each keypress feels not only effortless but also lively and springy, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The tactile feedback from the Box White V2 enhances precision, while the Canglan V2's smoothness encourages fluid motion across the keyboard.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Canglan V2 switches offer distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box White V2 is preferred by those who enjoy a pronounced auditory click and tactile feedback, making it suitable for typists who thrive on feedback. In contrast, the Canglan V2 is tailored for users looking for a deep, thocky sound coupled with a smooth, light, and bouncy feel, making it ideal for prolonged use. Each switch serves its audience well, and choosing between them largely depends on preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Canglan V2 switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience that provides clear feedback, the Box White V2, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and satisfying click sound, might be your go-to option. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a more engaging experience while typing or gaming, giving you that invigorating sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, quiet operation with a richer, thocky sound profile, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. With its lighter 48-gram actuation force and silky feel, it allows for comfortable, prolonged use without finger fatigue, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions, whether for work or play. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in typing feel and sound; choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your keyboard experience.
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