Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users are often drawn to the tactile and auditory experience they provide, and both the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Gold switches offer their unique takes on the clicky switch category. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its sharp, crisp tactile feedback and pronounced click sound, making it a favored choice for typists who appreciate clarity with each keystroke. On the other hand, while the Outemu Gold may not have garnered the same level of acclaim as its counterpart, it still offers a satisfying clicky experience that can appeal to budget-conscious users seeking a responsive typing feel. Both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for that distinct click sensation, yet they stand apart in their construction and sound profile. 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 Gold Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Gold, it's noteworthy that both switches utilize a polycarbonate material for their top housings, which leads to a similar auditory experience. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, a characteristic shared by both switches. This ensures that when RGB lighting is incorporated, the translucent nature of the top housing enhances the visual aesthetics, showcasing the light more vibrantly. Therefore, whether using the Box White V2 or the Outemu Gold, users can expect a similar sound quality defined by its clarity and resonance, particularly in the release phase of the keystroke.

Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which provides a contrasting auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top. Nylon is known for its softer qualities, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a more rounded acoustic experience when keys are pressed down. Thus, while both the Box White V2 and the Outemu Gold share polycarbonate for the top housing, the nylon bottoms ensure that each switch delivers a unique tactile feedback and a distinct tonal character when bottoming out.

In summary, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing allows both the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Gold to offer a harmonious blending of sound profiles. Users can anticipate a vibrant auditory experience from the polycarbonate top, defined by its crispness, and a warmer, more subdued feel from the nylon bottom that enhances the overall typing experience. This duality in material usage provides a cohesive yet distinct user experience, making both switches appealing for different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a similar light touch for triggering keystrokes. This characteristic makes them suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, their bottom-out forces differ significantly; the Box White V2 has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Gold has a heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches provide the same resistance to trigger a key, the Outemu Gold requires more force to be fully pressed down, making it the heavier option overall. For those who appreciate a more substantial, heavier key press, the Outemu Gold would be the preferred choice, whereas the Box White V2 suits those who enjoy a lighter and less tiring typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Gold has a 4.0 mm travel distance, which is the longer of the two. This difference may appeal to users with varying preferences—gamers may appreciate the quicker response time associated with the shorter Box White V2, whereas others who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes might lean towards the Outemu Gold. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether one values speed or a more pronounced depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinct, crisp click that provides an audible confirmation with each keypress. This click sound is not only satisfying for typists and gamers, but also serves as a clear indicator of actuation, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch does not have a widely recognized sound profile, leaving its auditory experience less defined. However, keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, which can alter how each switch sounds in practice.

Regarding feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches offer a pronounced tactile bump that allows typists to feel precisely when the switch actuates. This tactile feedback is highly favored among users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. The Outemu Gold switch, while not specifically described in terms of tactile feedback, is generally regarded as a clicky option, suggesting that it may provide a somewhat similar tactile sensation, though the explicit details are less defined. Ultimately, users can expect a different level of tactile feedback from the two switches if the Gold does not match the Box White V2’s noticeable bump.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 stands out with its crisp click sound and satisfying tactile feedback, the Outemu Gold may offer a more ambiguous experience in both sound and feel, potentially making it a less desirable option for those who prioritize these attributes. If seeking similar auditory and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 would likely provide a more consistent and defined experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Gold clicky switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a light touch with a crisper tactile feel and a pronounced audible click, the Box White V2 is your go-to option. It’s particularly well-suited for typists who appreciate quick response times and an engaging sound profile, making it ideal for both typing and gaming where feedback is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer actuation with a medium bottom-out force, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be the better choice. Its more subdued tactile feel can provide a stable typing experience, which could be beneficial for long typing sessions. While it may not have the same level of auditory feedback or crispness as the Box White V2, it can still deliver a satisfactory typing experience for those who favor a balance between comfort and resistance. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and preferences to select the switch that aligns with your needs best.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more