Kailh Box White V2 vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options often stand out: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Box White V2 is renowned for its satisfying clicky feedback, delivering a tactile experience that many typists and gamers appreciate, particularly in writing-intensive tasks where auditory and physical cues enhance precision. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches excel in providing a smooth, linear action designed specifically for speed, catering to gamers who prioritize rapid response times and minimal resistance. While the Box White V2 invites users to revel in each keystroke with its pronounced click and tactile bump, the Speed Silver's quick activation ensures that players can execute commands without delay, making it a favored choice in competitive settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, particularly evident in their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switch is activated. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, which leads to a more muted experience. These differences in materials could appeal to users depending on their sound preferences, with the Box White V2 being ideal for those who favor a more vibrant auditory feedback during typing, while the Speed Silver caters to those who prefer a rounder, mellower sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches use nylon, which retains a certain consistency in sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound, as it absorbs sound and creates a more pronounced bottom-out feel. Despite the variations in top housing materials leading to disparate auditory characteristics, both switches share a common trait in their nylon bottoms, which help to enhance the overall acoustic experience. As a result, while the top and bottom housing materials differ significantly, the shared use of nylon in the lower section ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience rooted in depth and fullness.
In terms of overall performance, the unique combination of housing materials in the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches allows for a differentiated yet complementary typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 achieves a crisper sound when the key is released, whereas the nylon bottom fosters a fuller auditory sensation upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Speed Silver's nylon top softens the typing experience, yielding a more subdued sound. Ultimately, while the two switches diverge in the choice of their top housing materials, they converge on similar results in terms of the rounded sound generated from their nylon bottoms, creating a balance that appeals to various typing preferences. Users can thus experiment with these distinct switches to understand how the materials influence the feel and sound, ultimately finding a suitable match for their typing style.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch exhibit similarities in actuation force but differ in their bottom out force specifications. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in this regard, which can benefit users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires more force to completely bottom out compared to the unknown bottom out force of the MX Speed Silver. Therefore, while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 is the heavier option when considering bottoming out, making it better suited for users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch that's easy on the fingers for prolonged use, both offer similar actuation characteristics, but the choice may depend on personal preference regarding bottoming out feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer differing travel distances, with the Box White V2 measuring 3.6 mm and the MX Speed Silver at 3.4 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the shorter of the two, providing a slightly quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times. On the other hand, the Box White V2 offers an extended travel distance that some may find more satisfying, especially for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress and tactile feedback. Therefore, if you favor a snappier feel for gaming, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the preferred choice, while the Kailh Box White V2 may be better suited for users who enjoy a deeper, more traditional typing 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 recognized for its prominent and satisfying audible click, providing not only tactile feedback but also a distinct sound that many typists enjoy. Specifically designed to deliver a crisp knock when engaged, the Box White V2 excels in environments where audible confirmation of keystrokes is desired. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a richer, deeper tone when pressed. This sound is often described as satisfying in its own right, providing a soft knock that adds an element of enjoyment to the typing experience, although it is decidedly less intrusive than the Box White V2’s pronounced click.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a firm tactile bump that ensures a clear point of actuation, making each keystroke purposeful. This is ideal for typists who favor an engaging feedback loop in their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is known for its smoother linear action, which can create a more seamless and fluid typing experience. However, this comes with an element of texture: users might encounter noticeable friction with the Speed Silver, a quality that enhances the tactile sensation for some but can be off-putting to others who prefer a completely smooth operation.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches cater to very different preferences in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 is preferable for those who enjoy a pronounced, clicky auditory and tactile experience, while the Speed Silver attracts those seeking rapid responsiveness and a deeper thocky sound with a smoother action. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the engaging clickiness of the Box White V2 or the speedy, thocky comfort of the MX Speed Silver, each providing distinct advantages depending on your keyboard usage and personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy tactile feedback along with an audible click that enhances the typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially if you're someone who appreciates the rhythmic sound and feel as you type. This switch can be particularly satisfying for writers or programmers who take pleasure in each keystroke's response. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer seeking maximum speed and seamless key presses, the Cherry MX Speed Silver will be your go-to option. With its rapid response time and smoother action, it is purpose-built for high-paced gaming scenarios where split-second decisions are key. Moreover, if you prefer a quieter setup with a more subdued, thocky sound that doesn’t dominate the room, the Speed Silver will help maintain that aesthetic. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound in your typing experience or speed and smoothness in your gaming sessions.
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