Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX FJ400 provide two distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its satisfying clicky feedback and audible click sound, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 offers a smooth, linear feel, providing a quieter operation that many gamers and those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes find appealing. Each switch caters to different needs: if you cherish the joy of hearing each keypress and want a pronounced tactile response, the Box White V2 may be your go-to. Conversely, if you desire a fluid and silent experience, the FJ400 presents a balanced sound profile that enhances your workflow without distraction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX FJ400, notable differences emerge that significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the FJ400 utilizes POM for its top housing, which has been noted for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. The intrinsic characteristics of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, lend themselves well to the resonance that RGB lighting can amplify, offering a visually appealing and aural experience when illuminated. POM, while perhaps less resonant, provides a unique, rich tone that some users may find preferable for a deeper auditory experience.
Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX FJ400 share nylon as their bottom housing material, which creates an interesting dynamic in their overall sound profiles. As both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, they yield a fuller and deeper sound when typing. This quality stems from nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Although the two switches diverge in their top housing materials—impacting the key’s sound upon release—the shared nylon bottom allows for a common thread in sound characteristics, ensuring that users will experience a comparable sensation when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials in the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX FJ400 result in distinct auditory experiences, but the similarity in their bottom housings brings some cohesion to the overall feel. Users can expect a consistent typing experience characterized by the deeper sound profiles facilitated by nylon in both switches. If one values the crispness of polycarbonate in the Box White V2 for its release sound when pressed, but prefers the muted richness of POM in the FJ400, there is the potential for enjoyable versatility, depending on individual preferences when choosing a switch. In both scenarios, the bottom-out feel, influenced by the nylon housing, remains a foundational aspect of their designs, contributing to user satisfaction across both models.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Box White V2 requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer ease of use for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may favor for a more tactile experience. As a result, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter switch, appealing to users looking for a lighter touch, while the HMX FJ400, being heavier, might be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, those who choose the Kailh Box White V2 will appreciate its lighter touch for extended use, whereas enthusiasts of heftier keys may opt for the FJ400 for its more robust feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the differences are notable. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the FJ400 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Box White V2 is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may be preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the FJ400, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 favoring speed and the HMX FJ400 catering to those who appreciate a deeper keypress.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 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 switches are renowned for their crisp, audible click that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. This pronounced click not only enhances typing confidence but also contributes to a unique sound profile that many users adore. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, which is typically quieter compared to clicky switches. While it might not provide the same level of auditory excitement as the Box White V2, the FJ400’s sound is more subdued, appealing to those who prefer a more understated audio experience. Ultimately, sound perception can be influenced by the choice of keyboard casing and keycaps, so users may find various results.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a distinct tactile bump that is noticeable and adds an extra layer of engagement while typing. This tactile feedback, combined with the audible click, creates a dynamic typing experience that can be exciting and energizing for the user. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 linear switch features a smooth actuation without any tactile bump, providing a fluid keypress experience. This allows for quick and seamless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and efficiency over tactile response. The choice between these two will largely depend on personal preferences for tactile feedback versus smoothness in key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch cater to different typing preferences, with the former offering a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience while the latter focuses on a smoother, quieter operation. Those who enjoy a lively typing experience with strong feedback may gravitate towards the Box White V2, while users looking for a more subdued and fluid keystroke will likely prefer the FJ400. Ultimately, both switches present distinct qualities that can satisfy different types of keyboard enthusiasts, and the choice will depend on your personal typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch should largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy tactile feedback and appreciate an audible click with each keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 is likely the better option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for fast typists and those who engage in a lot of typing or gaming where audible cues can enhance performance. However, be cautious about your surroundings—if you're in a shared space where noise could be a distraction, this switch may not be the best fit due to its distinctive sound profile. Conversely, if you're someone who prefers a smoother, quieter typing experience, or if you're looking for a switch that provides a more balanced feel without the clicky noise, the HMX FJ400 linear switch may be more suitable. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, it offers a satisfying resistance while maintaining a straightforward and clean keypress, making it perfect for both gaming and general use in quieter environments. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value the clicky feedback of the Box White V2 or the smooth performance of the FJ400, so consider your typing style and environment before making your decision.
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