Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Dustproof Purple offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke. Its clicky nature can enhance typing accuracy while providing a nostalgic feel reminiscent of vintage typewriters. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is characterized as a tactile switch, delivering a softer, quieter feedback without the loud click, making it a better option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience or need a quieter environment. While both switches cater to different tastes—one favoring an engaging and audible typing experience and the other prioritizing a gentler touch—users might choose based on their specific needs or work environments. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches share notable similarities in their sound characteristics due to their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. Both switches utilize this material, which is known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, making both switches particularly suitable for environments where sound clarity is desired. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through and creating an impressive visual display when the switches are illuminated.
However, the differences between the two switches emerge in their bottom housing materials. The Box White V2 is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, while the Dustproof Purple also features nylon. This similarity means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during use, given nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. The rounded tones created by the nylon construction are particularly beneficial during key presses, as they help dampen noise and provide a satisfying auditory feedback. While the top housing dictates the crispness of the sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing ensures a complementary response with its rich and muted acoustics.
In essence, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Dustproof Purple switches utilize the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, they exhibit different sound profiles when the qualities of each housing material interact during typing. The polycarbonate top housing provides a bright, clear sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing contributes a fullness and depth during key engagement. Consequently, users can expect a well-rounded auditory experience, balancing high-pitched clarity with deeper resonance—matching the needs of typists who appreciate both tactile feedback and sound variability as they engage with their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in both 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 more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use like long gaming sessions or work hours. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple operates with a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more deliberate and substantial key press. Ultimately, while the Kailh Box White V2 offers a softer touch for ease of typing, the Outemu Dustproof Purple provides a firmer experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference for weight and feel in their typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, we see a notable difference. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Purple features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Box White V2 provides a shorter travel experience, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple, with its longer travel distance, may offer users a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying depth, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in their keystrokes.
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 Dustproof Purple 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
The Kailh Box White V2 switch is highly regarded for its pronounced click sound, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy that classic "click" associated with mechanical switches. The audible click is both distinct and sharp, providing an engaging sound profile that many typists and gamers find gratifying. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch does not have easily characterized sound qualities available, which may result in a more subdued auditory experience. However, it's essential to recognize that sound is influenced by the keyboard design and keycap materials, leading to variances in sound profiles even within the same switch types.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White V2 is crafted to deliver a crisp tactile feedback that not only provides a clear indication of actuation but also contributes to a more engaging typing experience overall. This tactile bump is reasonably pronounced, allowing for precise keystrokes, making it popular among typists who appreciate a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch's tactile qualities are unknown or not specifically detailed, leaving it challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, tactile switches generally aim to provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which would aid users in ensuring each keystroke is detectable.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 excels in both sound and feel with its distinctive click and tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Purple lacks the same level of clarity in its sound profile, and its tactile response remains unspecified. Consequently, if you pursue auditory feedback and a crisp typing sensation, the Box White V2 stands out as a strong contender. On the other hand, if you're open to exploring a different tactile click experience with the Dustproof Purple, be aware that its absence of defined sound and feel characteristics could lead to a more varied typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and keyboard use. If you enjoy a light and responsive feel along with pronounced audible feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent option, particularly for typing and gaming scenarios where you appreciate clear indications of key presses. Its 50-gram actuation force and crisp clicks make it ideal for those who thrive on tactile feedback and those who want their keystrokes to be unmistakably recognized. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a more subdued typing experience with a bit more resistance — allowing for deliberate keystrokes — then the Dustproof Purple with its 65-gram force and tactile feedback might be more suitable for you. This switch is built to minimize dust accumulation, making it a great choice if you're concerned about maintenance. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by how you prioritize sound, feel, and key resistance in your daily typing or gaming experience.
Mentioned in this article
