Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Glory Yellow represent two distinct approaches to typing satisfaction. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky design, providing users with crisp tactile feedback and an audible click sound that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more interactive typing experience or enjoy the nostalgia of traditional typewriter sounds. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches focus on smoothness and consistency, offering a heavier keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions. This makes them ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, more fluid performance without the distraction of clicks. Both switch types have their own unique appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Glory Yellow, the differences in their top housings significantly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Box White V2 incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when typing, making it more conducive to a higher-pitched audio experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a fuller and rounder sound profile, creating a contrasting auditory sensation that may appeal to those who prefer a softer auditory feedback while typing.
As for the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Glory Yellow utilize nylon, which creates a consistent auditory experience for both switches. This shared material means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will still deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom-out moment, as nylon excels in absorbing sound. The impact of this nylon bottom housing is crucial for determining the overall feel of the switches, ensuring both options provide a satisfying tactile response. However, the differences in the materials used for their respective top housings ultimately modulate their sonic characteristics when keys are pressed and released.
In terms of performance, despite their differing top housing materials, both switches allow users to achieve distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. The Kailh Box White V2's polycarbonate top housing enables a brighter sound when the key is released, while the Gateron Glory Yellow's nylon top creates a mellower tone. This means that users who favor sharper, more pronounced auditory signals may gravitate towards the Box White V2, while those in search of a softer sound may prefer the Glory Yellow. Nevertheless, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep sound upon bottoming out, making them appealing choices for typists who appreciate the nuances between different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that many users may find comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Glory Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Box White V2 is 50 grams, this measurement for the Glory Yellow switch is unknown. Without that specific data, we cannot make a direct comparison in terms of bottoming out force. However, it is clear that the Box White V2 is lighter overall, catering to those who favor ease of use, while the Glory Yellow's heavier actuation force may attract users looking for a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Glory Yellow offers a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer choice. This difference can influence felt responsiveness and typing experience; with the Box White V2 providing a slightly quicker actuation ideal for gamers, while the Glory Yellow caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke akin to traditional switches. Ultimately, your preference for a shorter or longer travel distance will shape your gaming or typing experience.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 is characterized by its distinctly audible click, which produces a crisp sound with each keystroke. This click provides not only an engaging auditory feedback during typing but also helps with real-time confirmation of each pressed key. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is silent, producing a smooth keystroke without noticeable sound. While this makes the Glory Yellow an ideal choice for quieter environments or for users who prefer to minimize noise, it contrasts sharply with the Box White V2's more pronounced acoustic signature. Keep in mind that the overall sound of either switch can be influenced by the type of keyboard it’s mounted on and the design of the keycaps used.
When considering the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback that delivers a noticeable bump at actuation. This tactile response, combined with the click sound, provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more interactive feel with each key press. In comparison, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch offers a linear feel, meaning there is a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump or click. This allows for a fluid typing experience that is ideal for rapid key presses and can be particularly appealing for gamers or those who type at high speeds. Overall, while the Box White V2's tactile qualities engage users in a different way, the Glory Yellow promotes streamlined and uninterrupted keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Glory Yellow switches provide distinctly different experiences in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 offers a tactile and auditory feedback beneficial for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, while the Glory Yellow presents a smoother and quieter alternative, appealing to those who favor less distraction during their typing or gaming sessions. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either option can lead to a satisfying and enjoyable keyboard experience, with the choice ultimately reflecting individual tastes in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive on auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness, the Box White V2 is an excellent option for you, offering a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, a satisfying click sound, and a sharp tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience, especially for tasks like coding, gaming, or writing where feedback is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter operation without the auditory distraction of clicks, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the better fit. Known for delivering an enjoyable and fluid typing experience, it excels in scenarios where fast and consistent keystrokes are essential, such as in rapid gaming sessions or long typing bouts where fatigue needs to be minimized. Ultimately, considering whether you desire that clicky feedback or a smooth, linear experience will guide you in making the right choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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