Kailh Box White V2 vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Master represent two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its clicky nature, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback with an audible click that many typists find both engaging and reassuring. This feature makes it an excellent choice for those who thrive on a more interactive typing experience, perfect for both writing and gaming scenarios where feedback is crucial. On the other hand, the Dareu Master is a linear switch crafted from POM, known for its exceptional smoothness and mild actuation force. With its clacky sound signature, it offers a quieter yet still satisfying alternative for users who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke without the noise of a click. Each switch has its advantages based on personal preference—whether you seek the lively engagement of a clicky switch or the fluidity of a linear one. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Master switches, a distinct difference is evident in their top housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which allows for a clearer and more resonant audio experience. In contrast, the Dareu Master utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials are designed to enhance the switch's auditory feedback, they do so in fundamentally different ways—one prioritizing clarity and brightness while the other leans into a deeper sonic warmth.
On the contrary, the bottom housings of these switches present a different narrative, as both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Master incorporate a POM bottom housing. While the Box White V2 uses nylon in its bottom housing, which is known for its softer texture that absorbs sound and gives a fuller, rounder profile, the Dareu Master mirrors this with its POM bottom. The shared use of POM contributes to an overall deeper and muted sound, creating a certain consistency between the two switches at the bottom housing level. This means that while their top housings provide contrasting auditory experiences, the richness brought about by the POM material in the bottom housing harmonizes their sound quality—and consequently adds an interesting layer of complexity to the interaction between the two switches.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials paired with similar bottom housing properties suggest that the sound profiles of the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Master switches are influenced by the combination of their constructions. When typing or gaming, the experience is dictated not just by individual housing materials but how they interact. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 works in conjunction with its nylon bottom to elicit a bristling sharpness mixed with a soft fullness, while the Dareu Master’s POM top and bottom create a consistent, muted soundscape that resonates differently. Together, these varied architectures afford users a broad range of tactile and auditory sensations, and while they yield contrasting results, both can deliver satisfying typing experiences depending on user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates that it feels slightly stiffer when pressed all the way down compared to other switches. The Dareu Master, on the other hand, has an unspecified bottom out force, making it impossible to determine how it compares in terms of resistance when fully pressed. From a weight perspective, both switches feature an actuation force that may be considered light, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Box White V2 being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force could offer a more substantial feel for users who prefer that tactile feedback when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch exhibit differences in their travel distances, which can significantly influence user experience. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Master has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that users of the Box White V2 may enjoy a more pronounced keypress, which some may find provides a satisfying tactile depth, while the Dareu Master, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more traditional, deeper feel or a faster, more abrupt response.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 sound of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its distinct click, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that is undeniably satisfying for typists and gamers alike. This pronounced click makes each keystroke feel more engaging, providing clear auditory confirmation of actuation. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch, while also creating a noticeable sound, produces a clacky noise that is bright and percussive. This clacky sound offers a different auditory experience, with a snappy quality that varies depending on the force of the keystroke, but both switches deliver compelling sound profiles that can be influenced by the particular keyboard and keycap selection used.
When it comes to the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a robust and tactile experience without even mentioning its click. Users enjoy a definitive actuation point that gives them solid feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch offers a mild feel, which is designed for a more gentle typing experience. This switch is smooth and polished, enhancing the typing process by reducing friction and providing effortless key travel. The combination of a smooth finish and a middle-ground weight makes the Dareu Master accessible to a wide range of users, while the Box White V2 is more affirming in its tactile feedback, catering to typists who prefer a pronounced actuation.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Master switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. While the Box White V2 emphasizes tactile feedback and a crisp click, the Master switch leans towards a smooth, mild feel with a clacky sound signature. Depending on personal taste in both sound and feel, either switch can provide satisfying results; one simply needs to choose which qualities resonate more closely with their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory typing experience, the Box White V2 is a strong choice. Its crisp tactile feedback combined with an audible click makes it ideal for those who appreciate sensory feedback in their typing, allowing for a satisfying typing rhythm that can enhance your overall engagement and productivity. This switch's lighter 50 grams bottoming-out force can also be appealing for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke during long typing sessions or gaming.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued typing experience, the Dareu Master linear switch may be the better option for you. Known for its mild and polished feel, this switch offers a gentle yet refined typing sensation that should be approachable to most users. The smooth action of the Master switch allows for seamless key travel without the distraction of clicks, making it a suitable choice for quiet environments or if you often type for extended periods and need comfort. Its classic clacky sound also brings a unique auditory element, which some users might find more enjoyable than the more pronounced click of the Box White V2. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferred balance of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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