Kailh Box White V2 vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Kailh BCP. The Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and audible click, making it a great choice for users who enjoy an engaging and pronounced response during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Kailh BCP, a linear switch, brings a different feel to the table with its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics, offering a smooth keystroke without the clicky noise, appealing to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. While the Box White V2 excels in providing an assertive and satisfying typing feel, the BCP caters to users who desire a blend of smoothness and a hint of a clacky sound profile. They both offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences; 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Kailh BCP, the differences in sound profile and material characteristics are particularly noteworthy. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This quality not only enhances the brightness and clarity of the sound but also aligns well with the aesthetics of RGB lighting, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which is traditionally known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more readily, producing a duller, rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches may perform well, their sound profiles will differ significantly due to the contrasting materials employed in their top housings.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a more common thread between the two switches, as both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Kailh BCP incorporate nylon as their material of choice. Given that nylon is utilized for the bottom housing in both cases, users can expect a similar depth and warmth in bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon’s inherent sound absorption qualities enhance the tactile experience, creating a consistency in performance when the key is pressed down. This similarity offers a shared characteristic in terms of the feedback and auditory profile one will experience during use, despite the overall differences in sound when the switch is released.
The distinct separation in sound profiles between the top and bottom housings is essential to understanding how each switch performs during operation. With the Kailh Box White V2's polycarbonate top housing enhancing brightness and the BCP's nylon top creating a more muted auditory environment, users will find that both switches cater to different preferences in sound experience. The dynamics of each switch's performance will ultimately reflect the material characteristics of both housings; the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key, while the bottom housing modifies the bottom-out sensation. This multifaceted interaction between different housing materials allows users to choose switches based on their sound and feel preferences, knowing that the nylon bottom housing in both models will provide a consistent auditory foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Kailh BCP linear switch, a notable distinction arises in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the BCP switch presents a more substantial resistance with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience. Consequently, while the Box White V2 offers a lighter feel overall, the BCP's heavier force suggests a firmer response, catering to different preferences in keystroke feedback. Thus, if you favor a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Box White V2 is the superior choice, while the BCP is ideal for users seeking a stronger tactile sensation.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kailh BCP linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressed, the Box White V2 provides a marginally deeper feel compared to the BCP. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the BCP could offer faster key activation, making it an appealing choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box White V2 due to its longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the subtle difference in travel distance—only 0.1 mm—can influence personal preference, with the Kailh BCP being the shorter option and the Kailh Box White V2 being the longer.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 excels with its distinct crispness and sharp, audible click, making each keystroke a definitive auditory experience. This clicky sound is not only attention-grabbing but also provides a satisfying feedback loop for typists. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch has a poppy and clacky sound profile, characterized by a bright and percussive quality. While both switches deliver engaging auditory feedback, the Box White V2 leans towards a clear clicking sound, whereas the BCP offers a bouncier, sharper caliber that some users might find more playful.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a tactile experience that is sharply defined by its click, providing a solid sense of engagement with each press. The feedback is pronounced, which many typists appreciate for its precision. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP is designed to provide a creamy and bouncy sensation, marked by an elastic rebound that adds a dynamic quality to the typing experience. The buttery smoothness coupled with the poppiness enhances the tactile sensation, making every keystroke feel lively and effortless, almost as if the keys are inviting you to type faster.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch each present unique sound and typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box White V2 offers a precise, audible click that some users may find satisfying for typing with confidence, while the BCP provides a smoother, bouncier feel combined with a vibrant sound profile that invites a more playful interaction with the keyboard. Depending on whether you prioritize sharp auditory feedback or a creamy tactile experience, each switch can deliver enjoyment in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Kailh BCP linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile and clicky experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent option, especially if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This switch not only delivers crisp tactile feedback but also produces an audible click that enhances the sensation of typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile response. Conversely, if you lean towards a smoother and more elastic feel, the Kailh BCP may be more suited to your needs. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the BCP provides a medium-heavy resistance that offers a satisfying bouncy sensation combined with a creamy typing experience. Its clacky sound profile adds to the enjoyment of typing, giving each keystroke a lively character. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the tactile click of the Box White V2 or the buttery bounce of the BCP, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Consider your typing style, the ambient noise level you can tolerate, and what you’re primarily using your keyboard for before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
