Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Lotus offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the mechanical sensation and feedback that enhances their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus is a linear switch featuring a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a smooth, bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a quieter keystroke without the distraction of audible clicks. While both switches provide unique benefits—whether it be the auditory feedback of the Box White V2 or the silky smoothness of the Lotus—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Lotus switches feature distinct materials in their top housings that contribute to their unique auditory experiences. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its stiffness and translucency, which allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates crisply. This quality is particularly beneficial for users who employ RGB lighting, as the clear housing enhances the illumination effect by providing better light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Lotus features a nylon top housing, a classic switch material that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience, which can appeal to users who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Lotus employ nylon material. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to similarities in the sound profile of both switches during bottoming out. In this regard, both switches elicit a deeper and fuller auditory response due to nylon's inherent qualities, which foster sound absorption. Ultimately, both switches will produce a rich typing experience, owing to the commonality in their bottom housing materials, creating a balanced sound even if their top housings diverge significantly.
The difference in top housing materials between the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Lotus illustrates how these switches cater to varied preferences in as sound and feel. While the Box White V2's polycarbonate top harnesses the sharper sounds ideal for vibrant RGB setups, the Lotus's nylon top offers a more muted acoustic profile. However, since both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar depth of sound when fully pressed down, blending the characteristic traits of both top materials. Consequently, even with contrasting upper designs, users can derive an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams, making them equally light in this regard. This similarity in force characteristics promises a comparable typing experience, whether for extended typing sessions at work or engaging gaming marathons. Users seeking a lighter switch may appreciate how both options provide minimal resistance, allowing for reduced fatigue. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel might be better suited to explore heavier switches. Overall, with both switches offering the same actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar performance and comfort levels when using either option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we see that the Box White V2 measures 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box White V2 provides a bit more depth when pressed, catering to users who might appreciate a more pronounced actuation feel. In contrast, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times and quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, while both are relatively close in travel distance, the Box White V2 offers a slightly deeper experience, indicating that users who favor this characteristic will prefer it over the more concise actuation of the Lotus switch.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 produce a distinct, crisp click that provides an audible feedback on each keystroke, making them ideal for typists who enjoy the clicking sound associated with mechanical keyboards. The click is sharp and satisfying, ensuring that every press is heard clearly. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches offer a bright, resonant sound, contributing to a lively typing experience. This sound is characterized by its medium weight and a bouncy feel, which can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging. Both switches can produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the Box White V2's pronounced click sets it apart as more traditionally "clicky" compared to the resonant sound of the Lotus.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Kailh Box White V2 features a tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, allowing users to feel the moment of actuation effectively. The clicky feedback, combined with the tactile response, gives typists a pleasing sensation of control as they type. Meanwhile, the HMX Lotus switch is designed to provide a super bouncy feel with a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, ensuring that keystrokes are not only responsive but also enjoyable with a satisfying bounce on release. This difference in feel caters to different preferences: the tactile and clicky nature of the Box White V2 may appeal to those who favor a more traditional typing experience, while the Lotus switch attracts those who appreciate a smooth, bouncy action.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Lotus switches cater to differing preferences in sound and feel, each offers a unique typing experience. The Box White V2 stands out with its pronounced click and tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer auditory cues and a solid tactile sensation. Conversely, the HMX Lotus impresses with its bright sound and bouncy action, ideal for those who enjoy a more fluid and energetic typing motion. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences, as both can provide satisfying experiences when used in suitable keyboard builds.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Lotus switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and the satisfying click sound that comes with each keystroke, especially for typing or fast-paced gaming where audio cues can enhance your experience, the Box White V2 would be an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force allows for quick and responsive typing, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more prominent auditory feedback in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel without the click and relish a bouncy sensation that enhances the fluidity of your typing, the HMX Lotus would be more suitable. It offers a lively and bright sound while providing a consistent keystroke experience, making it a perfect selection for long hours of typing or gaming sessions where comfort is paramount. Ultimately, consider how important sound feedback and tactile response are to you, as well as whether you prioritize a pronounced click or a smooth, linear action when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
