Kailh Box White V2 vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and Huano Elf offer two distinct experiences that cater to various preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky nature, providing not only crisp tactile feedback but also an audible click that adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke. This feature appeals to those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize feedback and a traditional typing feel. On the other hand, the Huano Elf stands out with its linear switch design, which offers a smooth key press without any tactile bump or click. The Elf’s unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force, which can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted typing experience. While both switches have their unique merits, choosing between them largely depends on whether you value the tactile and auditory feedback of the Box White V2 or the smooth, quiet performance of the Huano Elf. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Elf switches, we find notable contrasts in their top housings, which significantly influence their acoustic signature. The Kailh Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance and clarity of each keystroke. Its translucency also makes it an optimal choice for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects to shine through. In comparison, the Huano Elf features a POK top housing, a material celebrated for its strength and smoothness. While it offers a lower friction coefficient which contributes to a slick keystroke, it doesn't necessarily provide the same level of acoustic brightness as polycarbonate, promoting a slightly different tonality.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to balance out the sound profiles created by their respective top materials. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This characteristic is consistent across both switches, leading to a rich and rounded acoustic experience during use. Since both the Box White V2 and the Elf employ nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the unique combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch leads to varied tactile and auditory experiences. The Kailh Box White V2's polycarbonate top offers crisp highs layered with the deeper tones provided by the nylon bottom, producing a balanced overall sound profile. In contrast, the Huano Elf combines the smoothness from its POK top housing with the warmth from the nylon bottom, creating a different yet complementary experience. While they share the same bottom housing material, the distinctions in their top materials will shape their individual performances, making them suitable for different user preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Huano Elf linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams but an unknown bottom out force, we can draw some distinctions. The Box White V2 switches require a slightly heavier actuation force than the Elf, making it feel more substantial during typing. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push against their fingers for a more tactile experience. The lighter actuation force of 42 grams in the Huano Elf can contribute to longer typing sessions with less strain, ideal for those seeking comfort during extended use. However, because the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, we can’t draw a direct comparison there; it may provide a softer bottoming out feeling or match the Kailh’s 50 grams, which can influence overall typing experience differently. Thus, while both switches offer distinct experiences based on their actuation forces, the unknown bottom out force of the Elf leaves some questions about how it will perform when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Elf linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide the same experience in terms of keypress depth. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation behavior from both switches. This means that whether you choose the Box White V2 or the Huano Elf, you'll achieve comparable results in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and uniform travel distance for typing and gaming alike.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switch is known for its crisp and sharp audible click, which is distinctive enough to satisfy users who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This clicky characteristic can create an engaging and lively atmosphere during use, making each keystroke feel more intentional. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switch delivers a deeper sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, producing a more subdued but resonant tone. This shift in acoustic profile may appeal to users who prefer a less aggressive sound while still maintaining some auditory feedback. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate, housing material, and keycap design.
When comparing the feel of the switches, the Box White V2 stands out with its crisp tactile feedback that engages users with every keypress, providing a noticeable bump that enhances the typing experience. This sensation can lead to enhanced typing accuracy and a more satisfying interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch offers a medium-light feel, catering to those who favor a smoother action without the interruption of a tactile bump. This linear design allows for a more fluid typing experience, which may be preferable for gaming or fast-paced typing where uninterrupted motion is key.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 excels in providing an audible click and tactile feedback, the Huano Elf switch appeals to users seeking a deep sound and smooth linear action. Your choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. If the qualities align with your preferences, you can expect to have a satisfying experience with either switch type, though they cater to distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Elf switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy an audible click and crisp tactile feedback, making your typing experience more engaging, the Kailh Box White V2 would be a great choice. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer quick, light keystrokes, especially for typing or gaming where fast response times are critical. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, quieter experience with a deep sound signature, the Huano Elf switch may be more appropriate for you. Its medium-light feel contributes to a satisfying typing experience, ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. The Elf's unique acoustics can also enhance your overall typing enjoyment if you appreciate a more subdued sound profile. Therefore, consider what feels and sounds best to you, whether you thrive on the sharpness of a click or prefer a more muted, linear response.
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