Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly between the tactile feedback of clicky switches and the smoothness of linear options. The Kailh Box White V2, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offers a completely different experience as the heaviest linear switch within the G Pro series. With a 60g actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force, it delivers a substantive and smooth typing experience that's perfect for users who prefer a quieter environment as well as a more creamy, subtle feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black also emphasizes RGB lighting with its frosted light diffuser, making it a visually attractive option for gamers and enthusiasts alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This combination allows the switch to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate can complement RGB lighting effectively, enhancing the visual experience alongside the auditory feedback. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which similarly aims for a high-pitched sound. However, while the INK blend produces a pointed sound profile, it avoids the overly sharp edges of other materials, resulting in a clacky sensation that is satisfying to many users.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a different dynamic. The Kailh Box White V2 employs a nylon bottom housing, a well-regarded classic in the mechanical keyboard community. This material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a POM bottom housing. Known for its unique sound characteristics, POM produces a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. While both bottom housings aim to provide a distinct auditory experience, the nylon of the Box White V2 leans toward a softer, fuller sound, whereas the POM of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a contrasting muted quality that some may prefer.

Overall, the combination of materials used in both switches yields varied sound profiles and tactile sensations. The polycarbonate top and nylon bottom of the Kailh Box White V2 create a sharp, vibrant top-out sound combined with a deeper, softer bottom-out experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend and POM combination aims for a clacky feeling on the release while still producing a well-defined, yet muted, bottom sound. Despite their differences, both switches manage to deliver engaging experiences through their carefully selected materials, meaning users who prefer either model can find substantial auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, those who appreciate tactile feedback and sound design in switches would enjoy either option depending on their personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the Kailh Box White V2 is designed for a softer touch, ideal for those who prioritize comfort over a typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black is better suited for users who favor a firmer resistance. Thus, if you opt for the Kailh Box White V2, you will experience a lighter overall feel, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a weightier, more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Black features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for gamers or users who favor quicker response times, the Box White V2's shorter travel may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to those who prefer a snappier typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its greater travel distance, offers a more pronounced travel action that some may find satisfying for tasks requiring more deliberate keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences; if you lean towards shorter, more responsive inputs, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better option, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who enjoy a deeper and more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its crisp tactile feedback paired with a noticeable and distinct audible click. This click sound is designed to be clear and defined, making it especially appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory response when typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black produces a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, offering a bright and percussive auditory experience. While both switches provide a satisfying sound, the G Pro 3.0's medium-high pitch might not be as prominent as the Box White V2’s click, allowing typists to choose based on their preference for auditory feedback during use.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in providing tactile feedback, offering a pronounced sensation that signals when a key has been actuated. However, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its creamy and silky typing experience that is both smooth and buttery. Users will find that the G Pro 3.0 Black allows their fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, creating a sensation of minimal resistance with each stroke. This smoothness, coupled with the subtle resistance profile of the switch, leads to a typist-friendly experience that is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, contrasting with the more tactile and feedback-driven experience offered by the Box White V2.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box White V2 provides a crisper sound and tactile feedback that appeals to those who appreciate auditory and physical cues while typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizes a smooth, creamy, and subtle resistance experience, ideal for users seeking a more fluid typing motion. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to an individual's preference for sound and feel, as both can yield satisfying results depending on what aspects of typing are most important to the user.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy feedback that is both audible and tactile, the clicky nature of the Box White V2 will likely enhance your typing experience, especially if you prefer lighter switches with a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging feel to their keystrokes, whether you’re typing or gaming, as the sound and feedback can be very satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust tactile feeling, the G Pro 3.0 Black’s medium-heavy 70 grams bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that many typists and gamers find appealing. Its smooth, creamy feel can make long typing sessions more comfortable, particularly if you’re looking for a switch that produces a clacky sound but maintains a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you'll be using these switches, as the clicky sound of the Box White V2 might not be suitable for quieter shared spaces, while the subtlety of the G Pro 3.0 Black may allow for quieter operation. Each switch has its unique strengths, so reflect on what matters most to you in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more