Kailh Box White V2 vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options that cater to distinct typing styles are the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Black switches. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its delightful clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response accompanied by an audible click that many find enjoyable, especially for typing enthusiasts who appreciate sensory engagement. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches offer a linear experience, characterized by their smooth actuation and minimal resistance, making them ideal for gamers or typists who prefer uninterrupted key presses. With Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, these switches deliver a classic deep sound profile and consistent performance that appeals to many users. While the Box White V2 might enhance the typing experience with its tactile joy, the MX Black is favored for its reliability and smoothness in fast-paced environments. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Black switches, the most notable difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity and resonance when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard setup. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black opts for a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon absorbs more sound and contributes to a more muted acoustic experience, resulting in a rounder and less piercing tone when keying.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which presents a contrasting element to their top housing materials. With the Kailh Box White V2 employing nylon for the bottom housing, it mirrors the Cherry MX Black's approach, as both will produce a similar auditory experience in this context. The characteristic depth and fullness associated with nylon manifest in both switches when keys are pressed down, leading to a more satisfying bottom-out sound. Hence, regardless of the differences observed in the top housing materials, the shared nylon composition in the bottom hones a level of cohesion in the sound experience between the two switch types.
Ultimately, the overall typing experience delves into the nuanced interplay between the distinct top and bottom housing materials in play. By having the polycarbonate top of the Kailh Box White V2 and the nylon bottom, the characteristics of sound differ during the actuation and release of each key. The sharper sound signature from the polycarbonate top is more prominent upon releasing a key, while the softer nylon bottom influences the sensation of bottoming out as well as the tone emitted during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black's uniform nylon material across both top and bottom housing creates a more consistent sound profile, albeit a rounder one. Thus, users can expect different auditory experiences depending on their choice, grounded in the inherent qualities of the materials used in the different housing types.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force are evident. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for quicker and less strenuous typing, making it an ideal choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Furthermore, the bottom out force of the Box White V2 is 50 grams, while the MX Black reaches a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. Consequently, if you're seeking a lighter switch that's easier on your fingers over prolonged use, the Kailh Box White V2 would be more suitable, whereas the Cherry MX Black is better for those who desire the solidity of a heavier switch feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Box White V2 measuring at 3.6 mm while the MX Black extends to 4.0 mm. This makes the Box White V2 the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances are often favorable for quick actions, especially in gaming. Conversely, the MX Black’s longer travel distance provides a more substantial keypress experience, which some users may find less abrupt and more satisfying. Thus, users who favor a quick response might opt for the Box White V2, while those who value depth and a more pronounced key feedback may lean towards the MX Black.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 profile of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its crisp and sharp audible click, which provides a satisfying and pronounced feedback when each key is pressed. This clicky response can energize typing sessions, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive auditory experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches produce a low-pitched sound that tends to lean towards a deeper, bass-heavy tone. This mellower audio profile is generally quieter than that of the Box White V2, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued typing environment or are working in shared spaces where excessive noise could be disruptive.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a pronounced tactile feedback, giving users a distinct point of actuation that many find satisfying. This tactile bump can enhance typing accuracy and control, making it a favored choice among typists who enjoy a more engaged experience. The Cherry MX Black switches, on the other hand, are textured and rigid, requiring more force to actuate. This stiffness may provide a sense of durability and precision but can also make long typing sessions feel more exhausting for some users. For those who appreciate a more linear feel without a tactile bump, the MX Black's smooth journey benefits a swift keystroke devoid of tactile interruptions.
In summary, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Black switches offer distinct sensory experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 provides a lively, clicky sound with a tactile sensation that enhances engagement during typing, while the MX Black delivers a deeper, bassy sound alongside a stiff and textured feel that some may find reassuring. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will largely depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or a smooth, linear typing experience with subtle depth in sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you enjoy an audible and tactile response while typing, the Box White V2 can be a great choice, especially if you prefer a lighter key feel with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams. This switch can enhance your typing rhythm and provide satisfying feedback for a more engaging experience, making it ideal for those who might use their keyboard for both gaming and typing, especially in quieter environments where the click sound can add a fun element without overwhelming noise levels. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more linear typing experience, particularly one that allows for faster key presses without the distraction of noise or tactile bumps, the Cherry MX Black's 80-gram actuation force is suited for you. Its heavier feel and low-pitched sound profile cater nicely to those who do a lot of extended typing or gaming, where speed and smoothness are key, and they want to avoid any clicks that could throw them off their game. By examining your needs and preferences closely, you can make a well-informed choice that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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