Kailh Box White V2 vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves at a crossroads between tactile enjoyment and a smooth typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinct clicky feedback, delivering a satisfying auditory and tactile response that many typists crave for an interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches offer a linear design that focuses on a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, favoring minimal resistance without the distraction of clicks. While the Box White V2 is ideal for those who prefer a pronounced feel and sound that enhances typing engagement, the Nixie caters to users looking for a more fluid experience, characterized by its textured and thocky feel thanks to the modern updates from Cherry. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry Nixie, a key distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This rigidity enhances the resonance of keystrokes, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and reactive. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing complements RGB lighting well, creating an aesthetic appeal that many gamers and typists seek. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that foster a deeper, fuller sound profile. This creates a more subdued auditory experience, characteristic of nylon, which absorbs more sound and minimizes the sharpness associated with harder plastics.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry Nixie utilize nylon, featuring the same material prominently. This similarity means users will experience parallel sound characteristics when bottoming out keystrokes, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile typical of nylon materials. The soft nature of nylon contributes to a comfortable typing feel and allows for sound absorption, ensuring that both switches feel satisfying during use. The use of nylon in both switches reinforces the positive tactile sensations that typists and gamers may appreciate, although the sound profile will primarily be defined by the contrasting materials in the top housings.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch results in distinct auditory experiences. The Kailh Box White V2's polycarbonate top housing ensures a bright and resonant sound during key releases, while its nylon bottom provides a comfortable and fuller bottoming-out experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie's entirely nylon makeup results in a consistent and rounded sound profile throughout. For users seeking a sharper auditory response, the Box White V2 might be preferred; however, those who favor softer, more muted keystrokes will likely gravitate toward the Cherry Nixie. Regardless of the differences in top housings, the nylon bottoms ensure that both switches share a common depth of sound, providing satisfying feedback that typists and gamers can enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there's a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force, with the Box White V2 being the lighter option. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie boasts an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who desire a more substantial and resistant feel when typing. This difference means that while users of the Box White V2 can expect a gentler experience, those opting for the Nixie will encounter a heavier and more tactile push, catering to varying preferences for switch weight and responsiveness.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can greatly affect the user experience; those who favor quicker response times may prefer the Box White V2 for its slightly shorter travel. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth when typing, the Cherry Nixie may be the better choice with its longer travel distance. While both switches offer unique experiences, the Kailh Box White V2 is designed for responsiveness, whereas the Cherry Nixie appeals to users who appreciate a fuller actuation.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 switch is characterized by its crisp, sharp click, providing an audible feedback that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is notable for its thocky, deep sound; it offers a low-pitched tone that results in a rich and satisfying auditory experience while typing. This difference in sound is significant, as the Box White V2 appeals to those who appreciate a clear click, while the Nixie switches cater to users who prefer a more subdued yet resonant thocky sound. Both sound experiences will be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, making each typing experience unique.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its positive, sharp tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. The click mechanism provides a distinct confirmation when a key is activated, making it especially appealing for typists who enjoy feedback on their key presses. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie switch features a textured feel that introduces a noticeable friction during key presses, which can be polarizing. Some users appreciate this added texture for its unique typing sensation, while others could find it less appealing compared to the smoothness that a linear switch typically offers. Ultimately, both switches deliver different tactile experiences that can dramatically affect how comfortable or enjoyable typing feels, depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and the Cherry Nixie linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile feedback profiles, both cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. The Box White V2 is ideal for users seeking a tactile, clicky experience with immediate auditory reinforcement, whereas the Cherry Nixie provides a rich, thocky sound and a textured feel that may attract those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a modern twist. Selecting between these two switches ultimately comes down to individual preference, as each offers a unique set of characteristics that can greatly influence the user's overall experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value tactile feedback and enjoy an audible click for a more engaging typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it easier for fast typists, allowing for quicker key presses without the fatigue that can come with heavier switches. This makes it a great fit for users who type frequently or need a lively, responsive switch for gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier and more substantial feel, along with a deep, satisfying sound that embodies a classic typing experience, the Cherry Nixie might be your best bet. Its 80 grams actuation force provides a more deliberate and precise keypress, which can enhance both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate that textured friction on each stroke. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you lean towards a more tactile, clicky feel or a traditional, rich, thocky typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
