Kailh Box White V2 vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and Huano Grape Orange stand out for their distinct characteristics, catering to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and audible click, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing sound and tangible response with each keystroke. Its pronounced feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience, well-suited for users who appreciate a retro, typewriter-like feel. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience—ideal for extended typing sessions when speed and comfort are paramount. Unlike clicky switches, the Grape Orange’s quiet operation can be a significant advantage in shared or quiet environments. Both switches serve unique preferences: the Box White V2 caters to those yearning for auditory cues, while the Grape Orange appeals to those seeking a lighter touch. 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Grape Orange switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contribute to a clear and resonant sound that appeals to those who favor a bright typing experience. This material’s translucency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for enthusiasts looking to illuminate their keyboards. Because both switches utilize this same material for their top housings, users can expect an analogous sound signature when pressing and releasing the keys.

Contrasting the upper housings, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Grape Orange switches both employ nylon as the material for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its absorbent nature, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Unlike the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms help create a more rounded auditory experience, as they absorb sound and reduce resonance. This unique blend of materials allows both switches to harness the benefits of each—while the top offers clarity, the bottom enhances richness, resulting in a well-rounded performance for users.

When considering the interaction between the top and bottom housings, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Grape Orange exhibit a complementary relationship. The polycarbonate top impacts the sound profile during the act of releasing a key, delivering that crisp, distinct note, while the nylon bottom influences the overall feel and sound upon bottoming out, yielding a satisfying thud. The consistent use of polycarbonate in the upper portion across both switches creates a uniformity in sound when releasing a key, whereas the nylon bottoms provide a contrasting depth to the sensation of keystrokes. Users of either switch can expect an engaging typing experience that combines the clarity of polycarbonate with the richness of nylon, ultimately simplifying the decision for those who may appreciate both models.

Weight

The Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Grape Orange switches showcase distinct characteristics in their actuation forces while sharing similarities in their bottom out forces. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Grape Orange is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter feel may lean toward the Grape Orange for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it puts less strain on the fingers. Both switches, however, have an identical bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that, regardless of the actuation difference, users will experience the same level of resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Consequently, while the Grape Orange may suit those seeking a gentler push, the Box White V2 provides a firmer keystroke experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you'll experience the same distance of movement, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and keystroke feel. The consistency in travel distance allows for a comparable typing experience, whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Box White V2 or the smoothness of the Grape Orange. Thus, users will find that both switches perform similarly in terms of key actuation distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are noted for their distinct and pronounced click, delivering a sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke that many typists find satisfying and invigorating. This clicky sound adds to the overall typing experience, making it engaging, especially for those who enjoy auditory confirmation of their actions. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switches operate silently due to their linear design, producing no tactile bump or click upon actuation. This makes the Grape Orange ideal for environments where noise may be a concern, creating a more subdued typing atmosphere.

Regarding feel, the Box White V2 provides a pronounced tactile feedback that many typists appreciate, offering a noticeable resistance at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and rhythm. The solid click associated with this switch often leads to a more dynamic typing experience, where the feedback allows for a clearer sense of progression through each keypress. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switches offer an exceptionally smooth experience thanks to their low actuation force of 40 grams. This means that keys press down with minimal resistance, making it easier for long typing sessions without fatigue, though this can sometimes result in less precision for users who prefer tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Huano Grape Orange switches cater to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 will appeal to those who enjoy a lively, tactile, and audible typing experience, while the Grape Orange is perfect for users looking for a soft, linear feel that allows for extended typing sessions without much effort. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable experience, but they do differ significantly in their characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Grape Orange switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a distinct and tactile typing experience accompanied by an audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is ideal for you. Its crisp feedback can enhance the joy of typing, making it well-suited for those who love the rhythmic sound of clicks, commonly enjoyed by typists and gamers who want to be in tune with their keystrokes. However, if you prioritize a lighter, smoother, and more silent typing experience, the Huano Grape Orange switch would be the better option. With an exceptionally low actuation force, it excels during lengthy typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. In short, for a lively and audible engagement while typing, go for the Box White V2, but if you seek effortless keystrokes and peace, the Grape Orange is your switch of choice.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more