Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback and a pronounced audible click with each keystroke, making them ideal for typists and gamers who enjoy a more interactive feel while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches cater to those who prefer a smooth and quiet experience; their low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature and lightweight 42g actuation force provide a seamless typing experience, perfect for prolonged use and a distraction-free environment. While the Box White V2 is great for users seeking auditory feedback and dynamic response, the Jelly excels in offering a refined touch with minimal noise. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Jelly switches showcase distinct materials in their top housings, with the Box White V2 featuring polycarbonate and the Jelly crafted from nylon. The polycarbonate used in the Box White V2's top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer consistency that enhances resonance. This property makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through vibrantly. In contrast, the HMX Jelly's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the bright clarity of polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in material composition impacts not just the sound produced but also aesthetic qualities, particularly in setups where lighting is a factor.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are made from nylon, creating a common ground in terms of sound profile between the two. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Box White V2 and the Jelly allows for a deeper and fuller sound when the switch bottoms out. This feature is significant because it means that, despite the differences in the top housings, the sound created at the point of key actuation—where the bottom housing contributes more prominently—will be similar in richness and depth across both switch types. The nylon's ability to absorb sound means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when typing, characterized by a round and softer tone which enhances comfort while typing.
Overall, the differing top housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Jelly provide a unique blend of auditory experiences, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures some level of unison in sound when the switches are activated. For users prioritizing a clear and resonant sound and those favoring a deeper and fuller typing experience, these switches accommodate a range of preferences. The contrast between the polycarbonate and nylon top housings offers variety, while their shared bottom housing technology ensures that both options deliver satisfying performance. Users may choose depending on their priorities—whether they seek the brightness of the Box White V2 or the fuller sound signature offered by the Jelly—without sacrificing the essential depth provided by the nylon base.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch with the HMX Jelly linear switch, we find both to exhibit relatively light forces, making them suitable for prolonged use. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Jelly switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, allowing for quicker keystrokes, which could enhance typing speed during intense gaming or long work sessions. Conversely, the Box White V2 requires a slightly heavier push, potentially delivering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer that tactile feedback. Both switches bottom out under similar forces, with the Box V2 at 50 grams and the Jelly at 48 grams, providing a close but distinct feel when fully pressed. Ultimately, while both switches offer a light typing experience, the HMX Jelly is the lighter option, making it a favorable choice for users seeking less resistance during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Box White V2 provides a shorter key travel experience compared to the Jelly switch. Gamers, who often favor shorter travel distances for quicker reaction times, may lean towards the Box White V2, as it allows for a more responsive feel. Conversely, those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced keypress might prefer the Jelly switch due to its longer travel distance, which offers a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more traditional depth in their keypress.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 switches are characterized by their crisp, high-pitched click, which adds a distinct auditory feedback that is both satisfying and pronounced during typing. This sound can be quite engaging for those who appreciate an audible confirmation for each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switches produce a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that conveys a more muted and bass-rich acoustic experience. Each keystroke resonates with a smooth, yet solid sound that can be appealing for users who prefer a less intrusive audio profile while typing.
When considering feel, the Box White V2 switches offer a tactile bump that provides a noticeable feedback during the actuation, allowing typists to feel when a key is pressed without the necessity of bottoming out. This tactile response can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy that extra layer of engagement. In contrast, the Jelly switches are designed to be super smooth with an actuation force of 42g, giving them a lightweight and effortless feel. Users can expect a fluid motion while typing, making them suitable for both rapid typing and gaming without the distraction of tactile feedback.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Jelly switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Box White V2 emphasizes a pronounced click and tactile response, making them a favorite for those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Jelly switches offer a smoother, quieter experience paired with a satisfying deep sound. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize tactile and auditory feedback or seek a smoother, linear typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click that enhances your typing experience, the Box White V2 would be an excellent choice, especially for typing and gaming where you want clear actuation points and engaging acoustic feedback. Its 50-gram bottom-out force can make for an invigorating typing experience, especially for those who favor a more traditional mechanical feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a quieter operation, the HMX Jelly switch might be more suitable for you. Its lighter actuation force of 42 grams combined with a low-pitched, deep sound signature provides a soft feel that is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where you want to minimize noise distractions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the environments in which you’ll use your keyboard.
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