Kailh Box White V2 vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Keygeek Keylin offer distinctly different typing experiences that cater to varied preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky design, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that signals each keypress, making them an excellent choice for typists who enjoy auditory confirmation while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin switches are linear, known for their smooth keystrokes and muted acoustics, which appeal to those seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience without any tactile interruptions. While the Box White V2 may enhance productivity for users who thrive on tactile cues, the Keylin will likely attract gamers and typists who prefer a seamless keystroke for faster typing or gaming scenarios. 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
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Keygeek Keylin present a notable contrast in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This stiffer material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it advantageous for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate lends itself well to RGB lighting, as it allows for optimal light diffusion, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of backlit keyboards. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory experience when typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a subtler click noise.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Keylin will elicit a similar sound profile from the bottom housing. The nylon material, being softer, will dampen sound and contribute to a deeper, fuller acoustic resonance. Consequently, even though the top housings diverge in their sound characteristics due to their distinct materials, the bottom housing ensures that users experience the cushioned and muted auditory feedback typical of nylon switches, thus providing a consistent performance in terms of bottom-out sounds and overall typing feel.
In summary, the differentiation between the top housing of the Kailh Box White V2 and Keygeek Keylin underscores the impact of material choice on the tactile and auditory experience of keyboard switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White V2 lends itself to a crisper and more resonant sound that complements the snap of the switch, while the nylon top housing of the Keylin offers a softer, rounder response that may be preferred by users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, the nylon bottom housing acts as a unifying factor, allowing both switches to deliver a deeper sound profile, while the distinct top housing materials enhance the unique characteristics of each switch, catering to varying preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Keylin features a lighter actuation force at 38 grams and a slightly lower bottom-out force of 48 grams. This makes the Keylin switch the lighter option overall, which may be preferable for users who value prolonged typing sessions or gaming experiences without fatigue. In contrast, the Box White V2, being heavier, caters to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Both switches have their appeal depending on personal preference for weight, with the Box White V2 providing a firmer resistance and the Keylin offering a more delicate touch; thus, users can choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in this regard. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and overall keypress experience when using either option. This means that whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Box White V2 or the smoothness of the Keylin linear switch, your finger will travel the same distance down to the bottom of the switch, ensuring consistent actuation across both types.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is characterized by its sharp, crisp auditory profile that produces a satisfying and distinct click with each key press. This click not only adds to the overall typing experience but also provides audible feedback that many typists find encouraging. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is designed for a quieter experience, producing rich acoustics without the pronounced click sound. The smooth operation of the Keylin switch allows for a more subtle auditory feedback; however, it is inherently less pronounced than that of the Box White V2. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches results in vastly different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences for keyboard noise.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers tactile feedback with a pronounced bump, providing a clear indication of actuation that many typists enjoy for typing accuracy. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback of a click or bump. This allows for a fluid typing motion, making it preferable for those who prioritize speed and uninterrupted key presses. The Box White V2 will feel distinctly more tactile and engaged compared to the smooth, effortless action of the Keylin switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Keygeek Keylin switches cater to different typing preferences through their sound and feel characteristics. The Box White V2 is perfect for users who appreciate clicky feedback and pronounced audio cues, while the Keylin offers a smooth and quiet experience for those desiring a linear action. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one values auditory feedback and tactile feedback or prefers a quieter, smoother keystroke without additional tactile resistance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Keygeek Keylin switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire from your keyboard. If you appreciate auditory feedback and tactile responses while typing, the Kailh Box White V2 is the right pick for you. The distinct click sound and crisp tactile bump make it suitable for typists who thrive on that reassuring feedback, particularly in environments where you want to enjoy the sound of keys as you type. However, if you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience, the Keylin linear switch would be the better option. With its sleek feel and muted sound profile, it caters well to those who seek a premium, whisper-quiet experience, ideal for prolonged use without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards a clicky and tactile sensation or a smooth, linear typing feel.