Kailh Box White V2 vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Olive present two compelling yet distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out with its iconic clicky sound and crisp tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy an auditory and sensory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Olive offers a unique tactile experience with its medium weight and deep, resonant sound, resulting from an all-POM housing and a long pole stem that provides sharp bottom-out feedback. While the Box White V2 charms with its invigorating and snappy characteristics, the Olive’s accentuated tactile response appeals to those seeking a satisfying yet quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Olive, there are notable differences in both the top and bottom housings that significantly affect their acoustic properties. The Kailh Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffness and translucency. This contributes to a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile, making the switch ideal for applications where a sharp auditory feedback is desirable. In contrast, the Bsun Olive features a POM top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is a flexible plastic known for its durability and lower resonant frequencies, which contributes to a softer sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Depending on individual preferences, users may favor the brighter tones of the Box White V2 or the subdued qualities of the Olive.

In terms of bottom housings, the Kailh Box White V2 employs nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This softer material contrasts with the Bsun Olive's POM bottom housing, which also yields a deeper sound but with a unique quality that blends well with the characteristics of its top housing. Both switches, with their respective combination of materials, showcase how different plastic types and properties can influence the overall auditory feedback. For those who appreciate deeper sounds, both switches may deliver that effect, albeit through different material interactions that play off each other—the stiff polycarbonate or softer nylon in the Box White V2 versus the stiffer POM composition found in the Olive.

Examining how these materials interact within each switch highlights how the qualities of polycarbonate, nylon, and POM contribute to varying sonic experiences. While the top housing impacts the sound created during release, the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. Users can expect that the Kailh Box White V2 will offer an accentuated high end during key release due to its polycarbonate housing, whereas the Bsun Olive will provide a consistently muted tone. Though both switches offer a deeper sound, the Kailh Box White V2 achieves this through the combination of soft nylon below and crisp polycarbonate above, while the Bsun Olive relies exclusively on its POM construction for a more cohesive sound profile. Whether you prefer the bright projection of the Box White V2 or the smoothness of the Olive, it is clear that the choice in materials ultimately shapes the tactile and auditory experience of each switch.

Weight

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch exhibit some similarities and notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the effort required to register a keystroke. This similarity means both switches could offer a comparable typing experience when it comes to initiating a key press, which is advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming. However, their bottom out forces diverge; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Olive switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This significant difference indicates that while both switches are easy to actuate, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable experience when fully pressed down, making it a better choice for users who prefer a soft touch. In contrast, the Bsun Olive, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer feedback when bottoming out their keys.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Bsun Olive the shorter of the two switches. The 3.6 mm travel of the Box White V2 may provide a more pronounced feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a more generous depth when typing, which contrasts with the Olive’s shorter travel that allows for quicker actuation, catering to gamers who seek rapid response times. If you desire a more responsive typing experience, the Olive will fulfill that preference with its reduced distance, while the Box White V2 might be the better choice for those valuing a more tactile feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switch produces a distinctly sharp and crisp auditory feedback thanks to its clicky mechanism, which provides satisfying acoustics that can be both engaging and somewhat disruptive in quieter environments. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch delivers a deeper, more resonant sound profile due to its all-POM housings. This results in a rich auditory experience that feels full-bodied and satisfying, giving users an entirely different acoustic feedback that adds to the typing experience. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the choice between them will often depend on personal preference regarding the intensity and quality of the sound produced.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback, offering a clear and immediate response with each keystroke that enhances the typing experience. Users can expect to feel a satisfying tactile bump upon actuation, making it a compelling choice for typists who thrive on feedback. The Bsun Olive switch, on the other hand, presents a more layered tactile experience. It is characterized as an accented medium tactile switch, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming tactile sensation. The invigorating feedback from its design creates a snappy and reactive typing feel, while the sharp tactile bump is deeply felt with each press, making the typing experience distinctly immersive. Overall, while both switches provide tactile feedback, the Olive's design creates a more intricate sensation compared to the straightforward, crisp feedback of the Box White V2.

In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Olive switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Box White V2's sharp and clear click, paired with its pronounced tactile feedback, appeals to those who appreciate a more conventional clicky experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Olive's resonant sound and layered tactile feedback offer a unique and satisfying typing experience that stands out in its own right. Ultimately, the right choice hinges on personal preferences concerning sound and tactile response, with both switches providing enjoyable experiences depending on what you prioritize.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Olive switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a crisp tactile feedback and an audible click, the Box White V2 is your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a more responsive feel. The lively click sound paired with its invigorating and snappy feel provides an engaging experience that can enhance both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy feel and appreciate a deeper, resonant sound, the Bsun Olive is worth considering. With a 65-gram bottom-out force, this switch excites with its pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience thanks to its unique design. The Olive’s sharp tactile bump and enhanced feedback make for a richly immersive typing sensation. In summary, if you want an energetic and light typing experience, go for the Kailh Box White V2; if you prefer something more substantial and gratifying, the Bsun Olive switch will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more