Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly affect your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out as clicky options that provide crisp tactile feedback alongside a pronounced audible click, making them a favorite for those who enjoy a lively and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a tactile experience blended with a nod to tradition, featuring a single-stage spring that delivers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. Their design emphasizes not only reliable performance but also enhanced aesthetic appeal, thanks to high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. While the Box White V2 is ideal for users who crave distinct sound and tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown caters to those who prefer a more subdued yet still satisfying tactile response. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches share a commonality in their top housing material, with both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material provides both switches with a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisper auditory experience. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an optimal choice for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing makes these switches particularly compatible with RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics when backlit. Thus, when it comes to top housing, users can expect similar auditory and visual results from both the Box White V2 and the Jupiter Brown.
Delving deeper into their construction, the bottom housing of both the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Jupiter Brown is made from nylon, a material renowned in the keyboard community for its sound absorption properties. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. This acoustic quality modulates the typing experience, producing a duller sound that many users find more satisfying. As such, the bottom housing significantly impacts the feel and sound of bottoming out, providing a rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top housing in both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of these two materials in both the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Jupiter Brown creates a unique typing sound and feel, blending the expressive highs of polycarbonate with the warm lows of nylon. Because both switches utilize the same materials in their respective housings, buyers can expect a cohesive sound profile where the top and bottom housings complement one another. The resulting experience is one that allows users who favor a tactile feedback or a distinct auditory signature to enjoy a well-rounded and precise keystroke, regardless of which switch they choose. This synergy between the materials ensures that enthusiasts can achieve a satisfying typing experience whether they prefer one switch over the other.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we find distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown operates with a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. While both switches serve different preferences, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Brown is heavier, catering to users seeking a more tactile resistance. This difference in force is significant for specifying which switch best aligns with an individual's typing style, especially in lengthy usage scenarios like work or gaming.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Box White V2, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper keypress and a more traditional typing experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Box White V2 may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and a snappier feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive switch, the Box White V2 would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke might gravitate towards the Jupiter Brown.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches make a bold statement with their sharp and distinct audible click, which is a hallmark of clicky switches. This pronounced sound not only provides immediate audio feedback upon keypress but also gives a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy the clicky typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches produce a more subdued sound profile, leaning toward a gentle thud rather than an overwhelming click. The tactile feedback is accompanied by less noise, making them an excellent choice for environments where you might want to keep sound levels down while still enjoying the tactile experience. Overall, if you're seeking a more vibrant typing sound, the Box White V2 will satisfy that need, while the Jupiter Brown offers a quieter, yet still satisfying, auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a pronounced and crisp tactile feedback that many typists cherish. This feedback is typically characterized by a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving a confident and engaging typing experience that enhances both productivity and enjoyment. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are designed for those who prefer a milder touch. With a stepped tactile profile, these switches offer a gentler keystroke, making them more approachable for long typing sessions. The mildness of the Jupiter Browns, combined with their medium-heavy weight, supports a balanced typing experience that is less aggressive than the sharp tactility of the Box White V2. If a softer, more traditional feel is what you seek, the Jupiter Browns may suit you better, while the Box White V2 is ideal for those who want an assertive tactile response.
In summary, selecting between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches revolves primarily around personal preference for sound and feel. The Box White V2 offers a loud and definitive click with a crisp tactile sensation, which is great for those who enjoy an audible confirmation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown presents a quieter yet softly engaging typing experience with a stepped tactile feel, catering to those looking for a more subdued option. Both switches serve different styles and preferences, ensuring that there’s a suitable choice for various typing environments and user tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter keypress with an audible click that provides crisp tactile feedback, the Box White V2 will likely deliver an exhilarating typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate pronounced sounds and sensations while typing or gaming. This switch suits individuals who thrive on rhythm and enjoy the immersive auditory feedback, making it a fun choice for noisy environments or people wanting to make their keystrokes more expressive. Conversely, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience that balances tactile feedback with a softer sound profile, the Jupiter Brown switch may be your best bet. With its medium-heavy actuation force and mild tactile sensation, this switch provides a comfortable and reliable feel, ideal for those who prioritize typing comfort over auditory feedback. If your work involves extensive typing sessions, the Jupiter Browns' gentle feedback and non-intrusive sound could contribute to a more pleasant experience. Ultimately, considering these factors will help you select the switch that aligns best with your preferences and usage needs.
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