Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of clicky versus tactile options. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out for their distinctive audible click and crisp tactile feedback, making them an ideal choice for typists and gamers who enjoy the satisfying sound that accompanies each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, characterized by their tactile response without the pronounced click, offer a quieter typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a less disruptive environment while still receiving tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Box White V2 excels in scenarios where auditory feedback enhances the user experience, while the Crystal Brown caters to those looking for a more subdued yet responsive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Crystal Brown switches, it's evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material in each switch contributes to a similar acoustic profile; both switches exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows either switch to work effectively with RGB lighting, creating vibrant and visually appealing key illuminations. Thus, users can expect a consistent and bright lighting effect, whether they choose the Box White V2 or the Crystal Brown.

In contrast, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Kailh Box White V2 utilizing nylon and the Outemu Crystal Brown matching it with nylon as well. This similarity in the bottom housing material means that the full-bodied and deep sound profile characteristic of nylon is present in both switches. Given that nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, both switches will produce a deeper, rounder sound when pressed. This shared trait prompts users to experience a satisfying auditory feedback, despite the differences in top housing design, as the bottom housing's properties will contribute significantly to the overall typing experience.

The combination of different top and bottom housing materials affects the sound and feel of each switch during operation. While both switches share identical characteristics in terms of their top housings, the impact of the bottom housings will lead to nuanced differences in the typing experience. For instance, when bottoming out a key, users will notice that the nylon bottom's sound dampening enhances the overall sensation and auditory feedback. Thus, although their performance may overlap due to the similar choice of polycarbonate in the top housing, the overall user experience can slightly diverge based on the tactile response elicited from the bottom housing material.

Weight

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer some interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to trigger, which is beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference means that while both switches provide a similar feel when initially pressing down, the Crystal Brown requires a bit more effort to fully bottom out. As a result, the Kailh Box White V2 is considered lighter overall, potentially offering a more comfortable experience for users who prefer a softer touch, whereas the heavier bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown provides a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer feel in their switches.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Box White V2 measuring at 3.6 mm and the Crystal Brown at 4 mm. This makes the Kailh Box White V2 the shorter of the two, while the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a longer travel distance. For gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation, the Box White V2's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, providing a sharper feedback. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced sensation when pressing down a key may prefer the deeper feel of the Crystal Brown. Overall, the difference in travel distance caters to varied preferences, making the choice between these switches dependent on one's tactile satisfaction and desired responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a distinct and satisfying audible click with each press, making typing an engaging experience. This click sound is sharp and crisp, offering a clear indication that a key has been actuated. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches are categorized as tactile switches, which typically emit a much quieter sound compared to clicky switches. However, since there is no specific description of the sound characteristics for the Crystal Brown, we can infer that it likely produces a more subdued noise, making it suitable for environments where typing noise is a concern.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Kailh Box White V2 provides an assertive tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, allowing users to feel the actuation point clearly. This tactile feedback, combined with the audible click, can improve typing accuracy and satisfaction. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, being tactile as well, are designed to offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, but without the clicky sound. The tactile feedback in the Crystal Brown switches is typically softer and less pronounced than that of the Box White V2, providing a gentler typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a quieter operation.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 is ideal for those who appreciate audible feedback and a pronounced tactile feel, while the Outemu Crystal Brown is suited for users who prefer a quieter option with tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches largely depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel, but they both deliver their own unique typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing, the Kailh Box White V2 is a fantastic option, thanks to its light 50-gram bottom-out force and crisp tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast and satisfying typing. This switch's distinct clicky sound can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you appreciate that auditory confirmation with each keystroke. However, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience without the noise of a click, or if you often find yourself typing for extended periods, you might gravitate towards the Outemu Crystal Brown. With its slightly heavier 55-gram bottom-out force and tactile bump, this switch offers a more balanced feel, minimizing finger fatigue while still delivering decent tactile feedback. In summary, if you want an engaging and lively typing experience with clear audio cues, go for the Kailh Box White V2; if you lean towards a quieter and more comfortable option for long typing sessions, the Outemu Crystal Brown is likely your best bet.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more