Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Blue both stand out as popular clicky options, each offering distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a pronounced typing experience; its design also provides enhanced dust and moisture resistance, contributing to its durability. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue boasts a solid reputation for affordability without sacrificing the clicky sensation, appealing to budget-conscious gamers and typists alike who want that classic mechanical feel. Both switches can enhance your typing experience in unique ways, whether you prioritize a premium feel or cost-effectiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch truly fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, distinct differences emerge in the top housings, which affect their overall sound profiles. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency. This material contributes to a sharper and clearer sound when typing, producing a higher-pitched and more resonant auditory experience. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetic of RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of the key switches. In contrast, the Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and rounder sound profile that contrasts starkly with the Box White V2's crisp tones, making the Cream Blue switches more suitable for users preferring a warmer auditory feedback during typing.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, as both employ nylon. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent regardless of the differences found in the top housings. With nylon being a classic material known for its sound absorption properties, both switches will provide a similarly deep and full sound profile during key presses. This harmonious quality between the switches may appeal to users who value a more muted, consistent bottoming-out experience while typing, despite the differences at the top housing level. Consequently, those familiar with nylon's characteristics will find that both the Box White V2 and the Cream Blue offer a satisfying feel when the key is fully depressed, creating a sense of familiarity.
Ultimately, the choices made in housing materials for the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Blue switches yield a combination of contrasting and harmonious features. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White V2 delivers a crisp, high-pitched feedback suited for RGB lighting, the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue offers a softer, rounder auditory experience. However, with both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar depth in sound when pressing down, making them versatile options for different typing preferences. Each switch, therefore, provides a unique experience that caters to varied tastes, ensuring that users can select the switch best suited to their sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switches present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue has a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This means that while both switches are clicky, the Box White V2 offers a softer keystroke feel, ideal for longer use, whereas the Cream Blue might appeal to those who prefer a stronger resistance. Overall, the Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the Cream Blue is considered medium-heavy, providing a clear distinction in the typing experience between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the travel distances are notably different. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue features a longer distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Kailh Box White V2, you'll experience a more responsive feel, making it a suitable option for gamers who favor quicker key presses and rapid response times. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and hearty depth, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or general usage. As such, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for enhanced responsiveness, the Box White V2 would be the better choice, whereas the Cream Blue suits those who appreciate a more substantial key travel.
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 Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are notable for their crisp and pronounced audible click, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This clickiness is distinct and contributes to an engaging typing experience, making each keystroke feel more intentional. The sound quality can be further influenced by the keyboard's build and the materials used in keycaps. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switches have an unspecified sound profile, which makes it difficult to compare their auditory experience directly. However, it’s essential to recognize that sound can be highly subjective and dependent on the overall keyboard assembly.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a satisfying tactile bump at actuation, allowing typists to clearly sense when a key has been engaged. This tactile feedback contributes to a more confident typing rhythm and can enhance overall typing speed and accuracy. The Cream Blue switches lack a formal description regarding their feel, making it challenging to assess how they compare in terms of tactile feedback and keystroke response. This information gap leaves an aspect of the typing experience unmeasured for the Cream Blue switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches stand out for both their crisp sound profile and satisfying tactile feedback, making them an appealing choice for many typists. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switches lack detailed descriptions of their sound and feel qualities, leaving newcomers wanting more clarity on their performance. While the Box White V2 provides a defined experience, those considering the Cream Blue switches may find themselves exploring other resources to fully understand their switch characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, actuation force, and acoustics. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp and satisfying click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice; its 50g actuation force means less effort is needed, which is great for extended typing sessions. Moreover, its pronounced click feedback can enhance your typing rhythm, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a lively auditory experience. On the other hand, if you find that you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers or if you do a lot of gaming in addition to typing, you might lean toward the Outemu Cream Blue. With its heavier 65g actuation force, it provides a more deliberate touch, which can help reduce accidental key presses and improve overall accuracy in fast-paced scenarios. Although the Cream Blue lacks the specialized sound signature of the Box White V2, its performance can deliver reliable feedback that aids in muscle memory development. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you in your typing experience.
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