Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out with their distinctively crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click sound, making them a popular choice for users who enjoy a traditional typing feel and appreciate the sharp acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switches also cater to those who prefer a clicky experience, offering a similar tactile sensation but often at a more budget-friendly price point. While the Box White V2 is lauded for its durability and build quality, the Outemu Green switches provide a solid option for gamers and typists searching for an affordable introduction to clicky switches. Both options have their merits, making them attractive for different users depending on priorities like sound, feel, and cost. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Green, it is notable that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. Both switches benefit from the key attributes of polycarbonate, such as its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audible feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically pleasing for users who appreciate illuminated components. Thus, the similarity in top housing materials suggests that players will experience a comparable auditory experience when the key is released, reinforcing the perception of clarity and resonance in both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Green incorporate nylon material which lends a distinctive warmth to the switches. The nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This characteristic ensures that while both switches have crisp sound upon actuation from the polycarbonate top, the bottom-out sound strikes a balanced tone that differs from the stinging clarity of the tops. Therefore, the combination of a softer bottom housing with a stiffer top becomes a critical element in defining the overall sound signature and typing feel of both switches.
Ultimately, the pronounced distinctions in sound and feel between the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Green arise from the unique interplay of their housing materials. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top, leading to a clear and resonant sound during key release, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer and more muted bottom-out sound. When engaging the switches, users will appreciate the contrasting characteristics: the sharpness of the clearness provided by polycarbonate on top compared to the deeper fullness created by the nylon below. Thus, while they share some commonalities, the integrated qualities of each housing material work harmoniously to produce distinct typing experiences.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Green is designed with a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing experience that some users prefer. This means that while the Box White V2 provides a light and responsive feel, the Green offers a firmer resistance, which can be more satisfying for those who appreciate a stronger push. As such, users looking for a lighter switch for extended use might gravitate towards the Kailh Box White V2, while those seeking a more robust feel would likely prefer the Outemu Green.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly influence the typing experience between the two switches. With the Box White V2 offering a shorter travel, it may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for rapid keystrokes without the need for deep presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Green, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which may be preferred by typists who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Green may suit those who appreciate a more tactile and deeper experience.
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 Green 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 switch is notable for its sharp, crisp click that provides audible confirmation with each key press, making it particularly satisfying for users who enjoy the feedback of a clicky keyboard. The specific sound profile of the Outemu Green switch is not detailed, but as a clicky switch as well, one can expect it to produce a similar clicky sound. However, since the exact tonal qualities are not specified, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, both switches are designed to offer a pronounced auditory response, but nuances in their sound might vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a tactile bump that provides clear feedback when actuation occurs, allowing typists to perceive when a key has been engaged without having to bottom out. This can enhance typing efficiency and precision, making it a preferred choice for many. The tactile qualities of the Outemu Green switch are not explicitly mentioned, which leaves a gap in understanding how its actuation compares to the Box White V2. Given the nature of clicky switches, it might similarly offer a tactile element, but any differences in feedback or resistance would remain unaddressed without specific descriptions.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch stands out for its sharp sound and tactile feedback, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate responsive typing experiences. While the Outemu Green switch also falls into the clicky category, its sound and feel characteristics are less defined, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Ultimately, enthusiasts might find satisfaction with either switch depending on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback, yet the Kailh Box White V2 is more clearly defined in its offerings, giving it an advantage for those seeking clarity in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Green clicky switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate pronounced tactile feedback combined with an audible click, the Box White V2 would be a great choice for you. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who want to avoid finger fatigue during long sessions. Additionally, the crisp sound profile enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier key with a more deliberate feel, the Outemu Green, with its robust 80-gram actuation force, might suit you better. This switch can be ideal for users who type with a more forceful bottom out or those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. While the Box White V2 excels in providing a lively typing feel, the Outemu Green offers the stability and weight that some typists might prefer. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and typing preferences, so consider trying both options to determine which one resonates with you.
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