Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Mars present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky nature, offering a satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click sound that many typists find gratifying, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive on sensory engagement and enjoy the unmistakable confirmation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches are linear switches that boast a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, crafted with a unique POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM for a refined feel, ideal for gamers or typists who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience without the noticeable tactile bumps or clicks. While the Box White V2 may appeal to those seeking an enhanced auditory and tactile adventure, the Gateron Mars caters to users who prioritize silent operation and smooth key presses. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Mars switches offer intriguing contrasts in their housing materials, significantly impacting their auditory aesthetics and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who value both audio feedback and visual flair. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the sharper notes of the Box White V2. This inherent difference reflects the preferences of users, as the choice of sound profile can greatly affect the user's satisfaction and typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings, the Kailh Box White V2 uses nylon, akin to what is found in its top housing. This consistency ensures that the overall sound remains relatively fuller, though still characterized by its polycarbonate top. The dual use of nylon in both the bottom and top housing allows for a cohesive auditory experience. In comparison, the Gateron Mars switches features a POM bottom housing. POM is known for creating a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted than either polycarbonate or nylon, promoting a distinct typing feel. The variation between nylon and POM gives the Mars switch a different resonance and bottom-out feel compared to the Box White V2, where the nylon’s softer characteristics persist in both halves of the switch.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials leads to unique sound profiles and tactile experiences in each switch. Even though both the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Mars incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, the polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 introduces a brighter acoustic quality that starkly contrasts the deeper tones of the Mars’ POM. Therefore, users seeking a sharper sound may gravitate towards the Box White V2, while those desiring a more rounded and muted experience might prefer the Gateron Mars. The strategic use of materials affects how each switch responds on bottoming out and releasing, highlighting the importance of housing choices in sound design and user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, the Box White V2 features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more pressure to fully depress the switch. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is not specified, leaving uncertainty about how it competes in that regard. Despite this unknown, it’s safe to say that the Box White V2 provides a slightly heavier feel overall due to its known bottom out force. Users looking for a lightweight typing experience may prefer the Kailh Box White V2 for its lower feel when typing, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience might lean towards the Gateron Mars, depending on its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they offer a similar tactile experience when pressed down. This equal travel distance ensures that users will achieve comparable results in terms of key responsiveness and feedback. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect a consistent feel whether using the Box White V2 or the Mars, making them interchangeable in applications where travel distance is a key factor in the typing experience.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switch delivers a pronounced and crisp click sound that is notably satisfying, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. The audible click is a hallmark of its design, adding a layer of engagement to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch is designed to be quieter, focusing on smoothness rather than noise. While it may not produce an audible click, the sound profile is generally more subdued, contributing to a more discreet typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 provides a tactile bump alongside its crisp click, offering an engaging and responsive typing experience. This combination enhances the sensation of each keystroke, making it suitable for those who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch features a smooth linear feel, designed for users who prefer a seamless keystroke without any tactile interruption. This linear action means there is no tactile bump or click, allowing for swift keystrokes and a fluid typing experience, especially beneficial for fast typists or gamers.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Mars switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you're looking for an enthusiastic auditory and tactile experience, the Box White V2 is your go-to choice. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience without any tactile bumps or clicks, the Gateron Mars will likely serve you well. The ultimate decision comes down to your personal typing style and what aspects of the mechanical switch experience you value most.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch will largely depend on your preferences for feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and an audible click, making your keystrokes feel more satisfying and engaging, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate the rhythmic sound and tactile feedback that can enhance the writing experience, particularly in a quiet environment where the clicky feedback can serve as an auditory confirmation of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Mars switch may be better suited for you. Its unique design aims for a linear feel, which can be beneficial for gaming and prolonged typing sessions where you desire less resistance and smoother key travel without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, if you want an expressive typing experience filled with satisfying clicks, go for the Box White V2; however, if you seek seamless keystrokes for focused work or gaming, the Gateron Mars switch could be your best option.
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