Kailh Box White V2 vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinct clicky feel, providing users with sharp tactile feedback and an audible click with every keystroke, making them ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches prioritize subtlety; they deliver a smooth and gentle tactile response with minimal sound, which appeals to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter environment while still enjoying a degree of tactile feedback. Each switch serves its unique audience: the Box White V2 is perfect for those who thrive on auditory stimulation and clear feedback, whereas the MX Brown caters to users seeking a more understated yet satisfying typing experience. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches, a notable distinction emerges in their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enables a more resonant sound when the switch is actuated. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate offers aesthetic advantages, making it especially effective for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition effectively absorbs sound, leading to a more muted auditory experience. Hence, users can expect differing acoustic characteristics when typing, with the Kailh Box White V2 delivering a sound that accentuates clarity and definition, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a more rounded and subdued auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a more uniform sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Brown fosters a deeper and fuller sound, given that nylon effectively absorbs impact noise due to its softer plastic properties. This similarity means that when users actuate either switch, they can expect comparable auditory feedback stemming from the bottom housing. Consequently, while the top housings diverge significantly in their sound profile, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing delivers a consistent acoustic experience, highlighting the crucial role that bottom housings play in defining how a switch sounds upon bottoming out.
In summary, the comparison of the housing materials in the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Brown switches reveals an interesting dynamic that influences both auditory and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 provides a brighter and crisper feel, creating a stark contrast with the muted, deeper sound of the MX Brown's nylon top. However, due to their identical nylon bottom housings, the fundamental sound profile at the point of actuation remains consistent between the two switches. This means that even as users enjoy the distinct characteristics arising from the different top housings, the overall experience will be anchored by the familiar properties of the nylon utilized in the bases, leading to a cohesive typing feel despite the contrasting materials above.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for users who prefer lighter keys for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, their bottom out forces differ; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Brown's is slightly higher at 55 grams. This means that while both switches feel the same when initially pressing the key, the MX Brown offers a heavier resistance when fully depressed, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a lighter overall feel, the Kailh Box White V2 may be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Brown will appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a heavier bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find that they differ significantly. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance. This difference implies that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Kailh Box White V2 may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, which can cater to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback and depth when typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches can depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more traditional tactile 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out with their crisp and pronounced click, making each key press distinctly audible, which can contribute to a more engaging typing experience. This clicky feedback is particularly satisfying for those who enjoy an audible confirmation upon pressing a key. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a much more subdued auditory experience. Their low-pitched sound is characterized by a softer and bass-heavy tone that doesn’t intrude upon a quiet workspace. While both switches have their unique auditory signatures, the Box White V2's sound is likely to appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback, while the MX Brown will attract those who prefer a quieter environment.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a robust tactile feedback that is both noticeable and satisfying, making it easy for typists to discern whether a key has been actuated. This tactile bump, paired with the audible click, creates a heightened sense of interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are designed with a more subtle tactile response. While they still provide a tactile feeling, they do not have the same pronounced bump as the Box White V2, leading to a smoother press that may appeal to users who favor a less aggressive typing sensation. The Cherry MX Brown's textured feel introduces a hint of friction, providing a different typing experience that some may prefer over the crisper feedback of the Box White V2.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Brown switches serve distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Box White V2 excels with its clicky sounds and satisfying tactile feedback, ideal for those who appreciate sharp auditory cues and pronounced tactility. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown's subtle sound profile and gentle tactility attract users looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you will find satisfaction with either option, as they both deliver unique qualities that cater to varying typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches largely depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a pronounced auditory and tactile feedback while typing, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for fast typists or gamers who enjoy the satisfying click and clear feedback with each keystroke. The crispness of the click can enhance your typing experience, especially when you enjoy the sensation of each keystroke clearly resonating through your fingertips. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown switches are a strong candidate. With their medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, they offer a smooth and textured feel with gentle tactile feedback, which is less distracting due to the low-pitched sound. These switches are ideal for long typing sessions, especially in quiet environments such as offices, as they don't create excessive noise. Ultimately, your choice should consider the balance between sound, feel, and the environment you typically find yourself in, guiding you toward the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
