Kailh Box White V2 vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to two distinct types: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Red. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, delivering crisp tactile feedback coupled with a satisfying audible click that many typists and gamers appreciate for its precision. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches stand out with their linear design, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or click, which many users prefer for fast-paced gaming due to their consistent feel and less finger fatigue during extended use. While the Box White V2 is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a bit of auditory flair, the MX Red appeals to those seeking a quieter, more fluid keystroke. 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
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 Red switches showcase distinct approaches in their top housings, which both significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's resonance allows for a clear auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and rounder acoustic experience. This difference creates a unique auditory signature for each switch, appealing to preferences for either a more defined or a booming sound profile.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to further unify their overall sound characteristics. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities contribute to a muted, fuller sound, acting to create a smoother bottom-out feel when keys are pressed down. This means that while the Box White V2 has a crisper sound when the key is released, the structure of its nylon bottom aligns it with the MX Red in producing a consistent deeper sound profile when the switch bottoms out. Consequently, users can expect a satisfying and rich auditory experience across both switches, despite the initial differences found in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the sound experience of each switch results from a complex interaction between the materials in both the top and bottom housings. For typists who favor a sharp, distinct feedback when releasing a key might gravitate towards the Kailh Box White V2, while those who prefer a rounded and cohesive sound throughout the keystroke may choose the Cherry MX Red. However, since both switches share nylon in their bottom housing, users can enjoy a fuller sound overall, even if their preferences lead them to select one switch over the other based on the distinct characteristics of the top housing. This blend of materials ensures that each switch provides a unique typing experience, catering to different tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, both offer the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press to register a keystroke. However, the key difference lies in their bottom-out forces; the Box White V2 has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, which signifies the force needed to press the switch all the way down, while the bottom-out force for the MX Red is unavailable. This means that the Kailh Box White V2 is the heavier option due to its bottom-out force, making it potentially less comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, especially for those who prefer lighter switches. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red maintains a lighter feeling due to its undefined bottom-out force, which may appeal to users looking for a softer touch and a more effortless typing experience over extended periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Red extends to 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Box White V2 offers a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Red, making it potentially more responsive and favored by gamers who seek quicker actuation times. In contrast, the MX Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience, as it allows for a deeper press that can feel more substantial. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides faster response times, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses might lean toward the Cherry MX Red.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 switch is renowned for its distinctive click, delivering a crisp, audible sound with each keystroke that enthusiasts often find satisfying. This clicky characteristic contrasts sharply with the Cherry MX Red switch, which is known for its thocky sound profile. The MX Red produces a deep, rich sound that many users describe as low-pitched. This thockiness offers a certain depth and warmth that can be appealing in a typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more robust auditory feedback. While individual experiences with sound can vary based on keyboard construction and keycap materials, the Box White V2 puts emphasis on a sharp click, while the MX Red provides a bass-heavy thock, offering two distinct auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a much firmer tactile feedback, allowing typists to feel a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation is complemented by the audible click, allowing typists to both hear and feel their actions. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Red, as a linear switch, presents a smoother keystroke experience with less friction. However, it is described as textured, meaning that some users may find a certain level of scratchiness while pressing down on the keys, making it different from the fluidity typically expected from a linear switch. The feel of the Box White V2 is more about tactile feedback and sound, while the MX Red emphasizes seamless and friction-feel typists who enjoy fluid motion.
Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Red switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 is ideal for those who enjoy an audible click combined with tactile feedback, thereby enhancing the overall typing experience with clear auditory signals. In contrast, the MX Red appeals to those who favor a deep thocky sound and a smooth, linear typing motion, albeit with some textural feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value the pronounced feedback and sound of the Box White V2 or the deep, rich sound and smoother feel of the MX Red. Both switches can provide enjoyable experiences, simply tailored to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Red switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate clicky feedback and enjoy the audible confirmation of each keystroke, then the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottoming out force makes it accessible for extended typing sessions, and the crisp auditory feedback can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more engaging interaction with your keyboard. This switch is particularly suited for those who favor typists or gamers who enjoy a tactile sensation and can work well in environments where the click sound is not a concern. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch is ideal. With its low resistance and thocky sound character, it caters well to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness without the distraction of an audible click. The textured feel of the MX Red provides a satisfying depth that may appeal to those who seek a solid and linear typing experience. In essence, choose the Box White V2 for a lively, tactile feedback and clicky sound, and opt for the Cherry MX Red for a more streamlined, quiet operation that allows you to type or game at speed.
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