Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various switch types to suit their typing preferences, and two noteworthy options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top switches. The Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, offering a crisp tactile feedback alongside an audible click that many typists find satisfying and motivating, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches cater to a different audience, designed primarily for office environments where discretion is key. These linear switches provide a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, striking a balance between a subdued sound signature and a comfortably light actuation that is ideal for long hours of typing without disturbance to those around you. Choosing between these two types of switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences—be it the engaging feedback of the Box White V2 or the subdued efficiency of the Mountain Top. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top switches, notable differences arise primarily from the materials used in their top housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances clarity and resonance. The transparency of polycarbonate also ensures that RGB lighting can penetrate effectively, delivering a visually appealing display when the switch is illuminated. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a distinct sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that dampens sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing, thus illustrating a more subdued and rounded sound than its polycarbonate counterpart.
Both switches, however, share nylon as their bottom housing material. The use of nylon in both instances yields a consistent sound profile that accentuates a warmer, rounder tone when the keys are pressed down. The deeper and fuller sound produced is a hallmark of the nylon material itself, which absorbs more sound energy compared to harder plastics. Despite the difference in their top housing materials, the sound absorption properties of nylon in the bottom housing ensure that both switches deliver a similar tactile experience when bottoming out, highlighting a key area of convergence between the two models.
While the top housings distinctly influence the overall sound profile—where the Box White V2 leans towards a sharper clarity and the Mountain Top delivers a fuller depth—both switches can ultimately provide an engaging engagement experience for users. The interplay between the softer, acoustically forgiving nylon at the bottom and the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon at the top helps in achieving unique auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences. Therefore, while the switches present differently during use, they still echo similar qualities in their nylon bottom housing, assuring a consistent tactile feedback that can be appreciated regardless of the switch utilized.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ in actuation force. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams while the Mountain Top switch requires only 40 grams for actuation. This makes the Gateron Mountain Top a lighter option, potentially appealing to those who prefer a switch that requires less effort for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of the actuation differences, they will feel equally substantial when fully pressed down. Therefore, users looking for a slightly lighter actuation without compromising on the bottoming out experience might opt for the Mountain Top, while those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel may prefer the Box White V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the shorter of the two, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2, with its longer 3.6 mm travel, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper depression while typing or gaming. While both switches offer a travel distance shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, the Box White V2 caters more to users who appreciate a hearty depth, while the Mountain Top is suited for those prioritizing quick feedback and responsiveness.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 produced by the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its pronounced click, delivering an unmistakable auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clicky nature is appealing for those who enjoy the satisfaction of auditory confirmation when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a much quieter experience, designed specifically for office environments where discretion is essential. The sound profile is described as neutral, meaning it strikes a balance that is neither loud nor silent, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced users, whether at home or in shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 offers a crisp tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying, making each key press feel purposeful and engaging. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch exhibits a bouncy and easy-to-press characteristic, providing a lively feedback sensation without requiring excessive force. It is noted for its mild and snappy qualities, making it effortless to type and reducing the risk of finger fatigue during extended use. The overall typing experience is responsive, with a subtle resistance that ensures a comfortable and approachable interaction, ideal for a stress-free typing environment.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Mountain Top switches serve different purposes, with the former leaning toward a more tactile and audible experience, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate feedback in sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a quiet, easy-to-use design suited for professional settings. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your typing preferences and whether you value pronounced feedback or subtlety in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a tactile feel and an audible click while typing, the Box White V2 will likely be your ideal switch, especially for a home setup where you can fully appreciate its crisp feedback and satisfying sound. This switch can be particularly great for gaming or writing scenarios where precision and feedback are crucial. However, if you’re often in a professional or shared workspace, the Gateron Mountain Top serves you well with its discreet and subtle sound profile, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. The Mountain Top's bouncy yet mild resistance enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use without the strain of heavier switches. In short, choose the Box White V2 for a lively and engaging typing experience at home, and opt for the Mountain Top for a more subdued, professional setting.
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