Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the options available can greatly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction with your keyboard. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out with their characteristic clicky feedback, offering a satisfying tactile response paired with an audible click that many typists find both enjoyable and satisfying. This makes them an excellent choice for those who thrive on the sound and feel of their keystrokes, often preferred by typists who enjoy a more engaging writing experience. In contrast, the HMX EVA switches take a different approach entirely. Inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, they deliver a smooth, linear typing feel without any tactile bump or click, making them ideal for users who appreciate a quieter and more fluid experience, particularly during fast-paced gaming or intense typing sessions. Both switches cater to unique preferences, appealing to distinct user bases. 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
48g
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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX EVA utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucent qualities. This choice yields a sound profile that is sharper and higher-pitched, producing a crisper auditory feedback that enthusiasts often appreciate. The translucence of polycarbonate also enhances the RGB lighting effects, allowing for a vibrant illumination that is particularly striking in keyboards designed with aesthetics in mind. In contrast, the HMX EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and therefore fosters a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound more efficiently, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials showcases how the construction of the top housing alone can shape the overall acoustic signature of the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX EVA employ nylon, offering a consistent auditory experience related to their sound profile. Both switches share the benefits of nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities, leading to a deeper and more resonant bottom-out sound. The nylon in both bottoms contributes to a duller sound compared to switches that utilize harder plastics. This results in a cohesive auditory experience, where despite the differences in top housing materials, the characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing significantly influence the switches’ overall sound and feeling when bottomed out. Thus, while the top vibrations differ, the bottom segments create a harmonizing effect that ties in the two switches in terms of sound depth.
Ultimately, the mixed housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX EVA provide a rich palette of sound and tactile sensations. The contrasting top housing materials result in distinct auditory profiles—one sharper and more resonant due to the polycarbonate, and the other, deeper and rounder due to nylon. However, the shared nylon bottom housings create a coherent layer of sound in both switches, ensuring they maintain a similar foundational acoustic quality. Users can expect a lively typing experience from the Box White V2 paired with the characteristic deep thump of the EVA when bottoming out. Together, these varied materials emphasize how different construction across the keys enables diverse yet harmonious sound profiles within mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, both options present a light typing experience, although the Box White V2 is slightly heavier. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX EVA has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the EVA switch requires less force to actuate a keystroke and bottom out, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Box White V2, with its heavier actuation force, might appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches fall within the light range, the Box White V2 provides a heavier experience, making the EVA the lighter choice for those favoring ease of use.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX EVA linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from top to bottom when a key is pressed. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable tactile feedback and keypress depth with both switches. Consequently, whether you prefer the audible click of the Box White V2 or the smooth actuation of the EVA, your typing experience will remain consistent in terms of key travel.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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
The Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a distinctive, crisp click sound, offering a sharp auditory feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. This click sound is prominent and satisfying, enhancing the typing experience by providing clear aural confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX EVA switch presents a different auditory profile characterized by its resonant sound signature. This quality adds a unique acoustic experience, but the exact nature of its sound—while smooth—may not be as loud or sharp as the Box White V2. It's essential to consider that the sound characteristics of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard's design and the materials of the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its tactile feedback, allowing users to experience a pronounced bump along with the click, which many find aids in enhancing typing speed and accuracy. Conversely, the HMX EVA linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback, allowing for a seamless and uninterrupted stroke. While the Box White V2 is great for those who appreciate tactile and auditory cues, the EVA is suited for users who prefer an effortless keystroke without interruptions.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX EVA switches provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box White V2 is an excellent choice for those who value a prominent click and tactile feedback, making it satisfying for typing and gaming alike. The HMX EVA, with its smoothness and resonant sound, may appeal to users who seek a more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, shaping your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX EVA linear switch primarily hinges on your typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you appreciate the tactile sensation and distinct clicky feedback that the Kailh Box White V2 offers, along with its lively auditory response, then this switch is ideal for you. It's particularly well-suited for typists who enjoy the satisfaction of audible and tactile cues in each keystroke, making it a great option for those who spend long hours typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience without the distracting audible clicks, the HMX EVA linear switch would be the better choice. With its lighter bottom out force and smooth feel reminiscent of the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, you might find the EVA more appealing for activities where silence and speed are paramount, like gaming or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you favor the engaging feedback of a clicky switch or the seamless flow of a linear one, ensuring you choose the switch that enhances your keyboard experience to the fullest.
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