Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch plays a pivotal role in shaping your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky nature, offering users a satisfying tactile feedback accompanied by a distinct audible click. This characteristic makes them ideal for those who appreciate a more interactive and engaging typing experience, especially in a gaming or writing scenario where auditory cues can enhance performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches present a stark contrast with their linear design, known for delivering an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the gentle sound of a shaken spray paint can. This switch is perfect for typists who prefer a quieter environment, as it lacks the pronounced click of the Box White V2 while offering a polished typing experience ideal for long hours of use. Both switches have their distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, whether you seek the lively feedback of a clicky switch or the silky smoothness of a linear one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Ink Box Black switches, the distinction in their housing materials significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those seeking a clear resonance when typing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which, combined with its translucency, not only enhances the sound quality but also complements RGB lighting aesthetically. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a similarly high-pitched sound profile that is pointed yet not excessively sharp. Both switches thus share certain sonic traits, suggesting that users can expect a clear auditory experience from either model, albeit with subtle differences in timbre.

The bottom housings of both switches provide a further contrast in terms of material and resultant sound profile. The Box White V2 employs a nylon bottom housing, traditionally known for its ability to deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer plastic nature. This material absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and less resonant bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Ink Box Black also features the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which produces a pointed and clacky sound. Although both switches are designed to create distinct audio signatures, the use of nylon in the Box White V2's bottom housing promotes depth, while Gateron’s INK blend maintains a consistent high-pitched sound across both top and bottom. Thus, while both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, the tonal richness of the Box White V2 contrasts with the Ink Box Black's clarity and brightness.

In consideration of the overall sound experience when using these switches, the different materials used in the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the tactile feedback and auditory outcomes. While the Kailh Box White V2’s polycarbonate top encourages clarity and sharpness on key release, its nylon bottom generates a more rounded sound during the bottom-out phase. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black’s uniform use of the proprietary INK blend means that the key behavior remains consistent throughout both pressing and releasing. Therefore, users may find that while they can achieve similar peak auditory experiences with both switches, the Kailh Box White V2 is likely to provide a richer tonal depth compared to the cleaner, more defined sound of the Gateron Ink Box Black.

Weight

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and brings its bottom out force to 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel during key presses. This makes the Ink Box Black a medium-heavy switch, suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter choice, while the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a heavier feel, providing options for different typing styles and comfort levels.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their travel distance identical. This similarity allows users to expect comparable results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness, regardless of whether they prefer the tactile feedback of a clicky switch or the smoothness of a linear switch. Since both switches share the same travel distance, typists and gamers alike can enjoy a consistent experience when pressing down on their keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box White V2 switch produces a notably crisp and pronounced click sound, characterized by its tactile feedback that promotes an engaging typing experience. This clicky switch emits an audible snap when activated, making it suitable for users who enjoy audible cues when pressing keys. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch generates a different auditory profile described as clacky and high-pitched, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. This sound is sharp and bright, lending a more subtle auditory feedback than the Box White V2, catering to those who prefer less intrusive sounds while still ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.

Regarding feel, the Box White V2 offers a tactile sensation that provides excellent feedback, giving users a satisfying experience upon key activation. However, specific details about its exact tactile nature aren't provided. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is exceptionally smooth and creamy, with a silky texture that minimizes resistance during key presses. This smoothness, combined with a polished finish likely due to either material quality or factory lubing, allows for quiet and effortless key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.

In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Box White V2 favors a loud, tactile click that appeals to many typists, while the Ink Box Black prioritizes smoothness and a quieter auditory profile. Correspondingly, the choice between these switches largely hinges on personal preference for sound and feel; both can provide satisfying results, albeit in markedly different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a light actuation force and appreciate tactile feedback with an audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent option for you, making it ideal for typing and gaming where you crave clear auditory and tactile confirmation of your keystrokes. Their sharp, high-pitched sound adds an engaging element to your typing, making it feel more interactive. However, if you favor a smoother, quieter experience with a firmer bottom-out force, the Ink Box Black linear switches would suit you better. Their medium-heavy resistance combined with a silky feel provides a refined typing experience, perfect for extended writing sessions or gaming where speed and fluidity are essential. The clackiness of the Ink Box Black subjectively enhances the auditory feedback without the distraction of a click, making them versatile in quieter environments. Ultimately, your preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness, and the type of sound you enjoy, will guide you to the right switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more