Kailh Box White V2 vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Orange offer distinct experiences to suit different typing styles and preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky nature, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback along with an audible click with each keystroke, which many users find engaging and enjoyable, especially for typing tasks. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch caters to users who prefer a smoother experience, featuring a linear actuation without the clicky sound, making it an ideal choice for gaming and quieter environments where noise can be a concern. While the tactile click of the Box White V2 can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, the MX Orange provides a seamless keystroke that some may prefer for rapid fire commands in gaming. 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
55g
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
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Orange switches showcase distinct characteristics largely influenced by the materials used for their housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality arises from the stiffness of polycarbonate, promoting resonance and clarity when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for those who utilize RGB lighting in their keyboard setups, as the light can pass through unobstructed, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switches.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a nylon top housing, a classic in the realm of mechanical switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon serve to absorb more sound, creating a more subdued auditory experience as compared to the Box White V2's more vibrant sound. This fundamental difference in the top housing material directly affects how each switch sounds and feels, particularly during key releases. Users of the MX Orange will find that the typing experience is characterized by a rounder sound, contrasting sharply with the crisper notes generated by the polycarbonate housing of the Box White V2.
When it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they similarly utilize nylon, which further aligns the auditory characteristics of the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Orange. Given that both switches employ the same material for their bottom housing, they deliver a similar deep and rounded sound profile when the keys bottom out. This suggests that while the top housings contribute distinct sound qualities, the nylon bottom housings create a consistent sound experience across both types. Thus, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Orange differ considerably in their top housing materials, the commonality found in their bottom housings allows for comparable results in terms of the lower-end auditory experience when the keys are fully pressed.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that can be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it generally reduces fatigue. In comparison, the Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that might appeal to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. While the Box White V2's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, the bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unknown. This ambiguity in the MX Orange's bottom out force means that we cannot directly compare it to the Box White V2; however, it is evident that the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter switch, making it more suitable for those who favor ease of actuation over a more forceful push.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference illustrates a key contrast between the two: the Kailh Box White V2 offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers who favor quick keystrokes. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, with its greater depth, provides a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for a more deliberate and tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for a snappier response, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Orange.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 switch is highly regarded for its crisp and pronounced click, which provides an audible feedback that many typists find satisfying and motivating. This click sound is not only loud and distinct but also contributes to a tactile rhythm while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch, while also offering a unique sound profile, tends to be quieter since it's a linear switch that lacks the audible click of its clicky counterparts. The sound emitted from the MX Orange is more subdued, producing a softer keystroke that some users may prefer for a quieter environment, making it less intrusive during meetings or shared spaces. It’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Box White V2 provides a satisfying tactile response with a clear breakpoint that users can feel with every keystroke. This tactile feedback makes it engaging for typists who enjoy the confirmation of each press, which enhances typing accuracy and speed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a smooth linear action without any tactile bump. This results in a fluid keypress from start to bottom without the interruption of a tactile event, catering to those who prefer a seamless and consistent typing experience—ideal for gaming or coding where rapid key presses are essential.
In conclusion, if you are leaning towards a more tactile and auditory typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is likely to be more appealing due to its crisp click sound and pronounced feedback. However, if a quieter and smoother typing feel is more to your liking, the Cherry MX Orange switch would be a better fit with its linear characteristics. Each switch fulfills different preferences, and the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a smooth, unobtrusive keystroke. Regardless of your choice, both switches deliver unique experiences that can significantly enhance your typing or gaming interactions when matched with the right keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Orange switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with an audible click that provides clear feedback with each keystroke, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate the satisfying sound and feel of a clicky switch, making it beneficial for typists and gamers who thrive on that audio-visual confirmation during their input. On the other hand, if you desire a smoother, quieter experience without the distraction of audible clicks, the Cherry MX Orange switch would be more appropriate. These linear switches cater well to those who prefer a softer touch and a more understated typing experience, making them a great option for office settings or quiet environments where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the context in which you'll be using the keyboard, to make the best choice for your needs.
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