Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Cream Pink stand out as two distinct options catering to different user preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky mechanism, providing a satisfying audible click and tactile feedback that many typists and gamers adore for its responsiveness and precision. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy the auditory and physical confirmation of each keystroke, making it a popular choice for typing enthusiasts. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink is a linear switch that offers a smooth and quiet keystroke without any tactile bump or click, making it perfect for individuals who prefer a more understated and fluid typing experience, especially in shared spaces. While both switches have their unique appeals, one emphasizing tactile and audible feedback and the other favoring a seamless glide, choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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 Pink, a distinct difference is observed in their top housings. The Kailh Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting setups, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to pass through, enhancing the visual aesthetic of the keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink switch employs a nylon top housing that exhibits a softer nature, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The absorption capabilities of nylon result in a more muted, rounder auditory experience compared to the Box White V2's pronounced acoustics.
While the top housings differ considerably in material and resulting sound profile, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon. The contribution of nylon in the bottom housing of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Pink leads to similar auditory characteristics. Since nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs sound, both switches utilize this material to create a deeper bottom-out sound that resonates with a duller, fuller tone. This shared characteristic emphasizes the comforting and sturdy feel of both switches when a key is pressed down, providing a cohesive typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Pink result in contrasting sound profiles, particularly during key release. The crisper tone of the polycarbonate on the Box White V2 enhances the brightness of key strokes, making for a potentially more energetic typing experience. Meanwhile, the nylon top in the Cream Pink, while incorporating some warmth, offers a more subdued auditory response that might appeal to users who prefer a softer touch and sound. Despite the variances, both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, allowing users to benefit from a rich and enveloping sound during typing, thereby creating a sense of familiarity and comfort regardless of which switch is used.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge, catering to various typing preferences. The Box White V2 requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers and ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. This means that those looking for a softer touch will find the Box White V2 to be more suitable, while those who appreciate a stronger push will gravitate towards the Cream Pink switch. Overall, the Box White V2 is lighter in comparison to the Cream Pink, which is heavier due to its higher force specifications.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a shorter response distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking speed and quick feedback. In contrast, the Cream Pink's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keypress and a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Box White V2 being the more responsive option due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Pink 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 characterized by their distinct and sharp click, which provides an audible feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This clicky sound not only enhances the typing experience but also signals to the user that a successful key activation has occurred. The sound contributes to an engaging auditory experience that can be satisfying for those who prefer an active auditory response. Unfortunately, the Outemu Cream Pink switches do not have a specific sound profile documented, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it can generally be expected that linear switches like the Cream Pink are quieter and lack the pronounced click of their clicky counterparts.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches offer a tactile bump that is noticeable during key presses, allowing users to experience a distinct feedback that enhances typing precision. The combination of the tactile response and the audible click can lead to a more dynamic typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink switches, being linear in design, provide a smooth and uninterrupted motion without any tactile feedback or click. This means that typing or gaming feels fluid and consistent, allowing users to press keys with ease without making any extra noise.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Cream Pink switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box White V2 offers a crisp click and tactile feedback that creates an engaging typing experience, while the Cream Pink provides a smooth and silent keypress. It's essential for newcomers to consider their personal preferences defining the auditory and tactile qualities of a switch; choosing a switch ultimately comes down to whether one prefers the pronounced feedback of clicky switches or the seamless experience of linear ones.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a keyboard that provides audible feedback and tactile sensations, then the Box White V2 is the right choice for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you prefer a more responsive feel that gives you that satisfying click with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists, programmers, or anyone who enjoys a lively, interactive experience while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, quieter operation and are looking for a switch that can handle a bit more resistance, the Outemu Cream Pink's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams may be what you need. This linear switch offers a consistent feel without the tactile bump or click, making it a great choice for gamers or those who require fast, uninterrupted key presses. In summary, select the Box White V2 for an engaging and auditory typing experience, or opt for the Cream Pink if you prioritize a smoother, quieter feel during intense gaming or typing.
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