Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Ink Red exemplify the diverse preferences of typists and gamers alike. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke. This switch can enhance typing accuracy and offer a more engaging experience, particularly favored by writers and typists who appreciate clear auditory cues. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, appealing to individuals with a lighter typing style. With its lower actuation force, the Ink Red is effortless to type on and is perfect for gamers who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. While the Kailh Box White V2 offers a robust and tactile experience, the Ink Red shines in its silky, polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Ink Red switches, the materials used in their top housings reveal distinct characteristics that influence sound profiles and overall performance. The Box White V2 employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This material's translucency also makes it well-suited for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. In contrast, Gateron's Ink Red switch features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While still delivering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, the INK blend does not replicate the level of clarity attributed to polycarbonate. Instead, it offers a satisfying clacky sound that strikes a balance, making it appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback without the harshness sometimes associated with harder plastics.
The bottom housings of the two switches diverge even further in terms of material choice. The Box White V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic can enhance the overall typing experience by providing a more rounded auditory feedback. On the other hand, Gateron's Ink Red switch also features a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which maintains a consistency in sound with the upper half. Although the Ink Red's bottom housing shares some aspects with the top, it still delivers a lighter and crisper auditory experience, creating a unified yet distinct sound profile that leans towards a clacky feel.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top and bottom housings in the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Ink Red switches yield different acoustic signatures while still allowing them to share some similarities in auditory experiences. While the Box White V2's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and resonance, complemented by a nylon bottom that deepens the sound, the Ink Red switches offer a more cohesive and lightweight sound profile through both its proprietary INK blend housings. Users can expect a thoughtful balance in their typing sounds and feels; however, those looking for a sharper sound might lean towards the Box White V2, while fans of a clackier auditory feedback might prefer the Ink Red.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some notable differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom-out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively light and easy to press, which is beneficial for users who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, the Box White V2 has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Ink Red comes in at a heavier 60 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 will feel lighter overall due to its lower bottom-out force. Thus, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom-out force of the Ink Red can provide that push feel, whereas the Box White V2 caters to those who appreciate a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive experience that may appeal to gamers seeking faster key presses. In contrast, the Ink Red’s 4 mm travel distance delivers a deeper actuation, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial during typing. Thus, while both switches are designed to offer distinct tactile experiences, the Box White V2 is better suited for those who prioritize quick response, whereas the Ink Red is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
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 Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 offers a distinctively crisp audible click that is both satisfying and pronounced, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a prominent auditory feedback with each keypress. This clicky sound profile can be particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate the mechanical feedback that accompanies their efforts, but it may not be ideal for quieter settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red has a more subtle auditory signature characterized by its smooth operation. While it is primarily a linear switch known for its lack of tactile feedback, users often describe its sound as neutral, making it suitable for various environments, and it features a chirpy quality that can add personality to the typing experience without being overly loud.
Regarding feel, the Box White V2 delivers a sharp tactile feedback that provides a clear distinction between the actuation point and the bottom-out force. This makes typing not only engaging but also enhances typing accuracy, as users receive immediate feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red is celebrated for offering an exceptionally silky and polished feel, enabling a smooth and effortless typing experience. The mild nature of the Ink Red's characteristics ensures that users can enjoy a gentle, easy-to-press key travel without any jarring resistance. This distinction makes the Ink Red more forgiving for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes fatigue without compromising on responsiveness.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and Gateron Ink Red linear switch present unique yet polar opposite experiences in sound and feel. The Box White V2 is suited for those who crave auditory feedback and tactile response, making it more lively and engaging, while the Ink Red caters to users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference; if you enjoy a pronounced click and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 will serve you well, whereas if a silky, quieter typing experience is your goal, the Ink Red will provide similar satisfaction through its smooth action.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with an audible click that provides a more engaging typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for users who appreciate a crisp sound and feel while typing—perfect for creating a lively atmosphere whether you're writing at home or engaging in heated discussions with friends. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, smoother experience without the sharp click, the Ink Red switch would be better suited for you. With its silky and polished feel, this switch excels during lengthy typing sessions and is especially comfortable for those with a lighter typing style. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both home and work environments. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—audible feedback and tactile bite, or smooth and silent operation—before making your selection.
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