Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Cheese can significantly influence your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out as clicky switches, offering a satisfying tactile bump and an audible click that many enthusiasts appreciate for the feedback it provides, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more interactive experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switches offer a completely different approach with their linear design, providing an ultra-smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile feedback or click. This makes them perfect for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience over audible cues, particularly benefiting gamers and fast typists who seek speed and precision. Both switches cater to unique preferences: the Box White V2 delivers a distinctive feel and sound ideal for those who love auditory feedback, while the HMX Cheese caters to those who prefer effortless keystrokes. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cheese switches, it is evident that they utilize different plastics for their top housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Cheese employs a nylon top housing, known for a deeper and fuller sound profile since nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound rather than transmitting it. While these contrasting materials lead to different sound qualities, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory experiences depending on user preference.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, which brings an essential element to their overall sound and feel. The nylon in the Box White V2, like that in the Cheese, contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience by softening bottom-out sounds. As both switches utilize nylon on the bottom, this commonality ensures that users will experience a fuller acoustic response when they press down, regardless of the difference in the top housing materials. This shared characteristic could make both switches feel more similar at the bottom-out point, bridging some of the differences created by the varying top housing materials.
Ultimately, the distinction between the polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 and the nylon top of the Cheese results in nuanced differences in sound characteristics. The sharper, more precise sound of the Box White V2 complements the fuller sound generated by the nylon bottom, while the HMX Cheese has a mellowed auditory profile through both its top and bottom nylon materials. Depending on the user's preference for clear versus deeper sound profiles, each switch offers a unique typing experience. However, the fact that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing means they will share a degree of similarity in terms of the deeper sounds produced when keys are bottomed out. Thus, while the tactile sound experience varies between the two, the underlying nylon provides a common acoustic foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Cheese features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches are designed for users who appreciate longer typing sessions, as their lower actuation forces make them easier to press. In this comparison, the HMX Cheese is slightly lighter at the actuation stage, while the Box White V2 has a heavier bottom out force. This distinction may lead some users to prefer the Cheese for its lighter push feel, while others might appreciate the more substantial feedback of the Box White V2 when bottoming out. Overall, while their actuation forces are close, the Box White V2 offers a slightly firmer bottoming experience compared to the Cheese.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, the Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a slightly more pronounced depth when pressed, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial key press. Conversely, the HMX Cheese, with its shorter distance, may provide a snappier response that many gamers appreciate for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: those who prefer a more pronounced feel might gravitate towards the Box White V2, while those who seek quicker responsiveness may favor the Cheese.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 switches are known for their crisp tactile feedback combined with a pronounced audible click, delivering a satisfying auditory response that many typists adore. The clicky sound enhances the typing experience, making it clear when each key has been actuated. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switches produce a unique sound signature that is described as clacky, poppy, and crispy. This appealing sound adds to the enjoyment of typing, but it may not offer the same pronounced feedback that the Box White V2 provides through its distinct click.
Regarding feel, the Box White V2 gives typists a resilient tactile bump that can be quite enjoyable, contributing to a responsive typing experience that many find energizing. In contrast, the HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their ultra-light touch and unparalleled smoothness, making them feel almost effortless to press. This lighter actuation force is perfect for those who prefer a low-resistance switch and may result in quicker typing speeds, while for others, the tactile feedback of the Box White V2 may be more desirable for precision.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Cheese switches offer distinctive auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, they also present contrasting feels; the former emphasizes tactile feedback while the latter focuses on a smooth, light feel. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize the satisfying click and tactile feedback of the Box White V2 or the effortless smoothness and unique sound of the HMX Cheese switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Cheese linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a distinct audible feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom out force, coupled with its crisp click sound and tactile bump, makes it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging and dynamic keystroke that can boost your typing accuracy and make the experience more enjoyable. This switch is particularly suited for typists who love the sound of a traditional mechanical keyboard and thrive on that tactile feedback during both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter environment, the HMX Cheese switch would be more appropriate for your needs. With a lighter 46-gram bottom out force and its uniquely smooth feel, this switch excels in delivering a fluid typing experience with a delightful clacky sound signature. It's perfect for rapid typing or gaming sessions where swift key presses are essential, and it shines in a quieter workspace since it lacks the pronounced click of the Box White V2. In summary, your decision should reflect what you value more in a switch—be it the tactile experience and audible feedback of the Box White V2 or the smoothness and subtlety of the HMX Cheese linear switch.
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