Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Peach (V3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Peach (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice fundamentally shapes your typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Peach. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinct clicky feedback, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile response that many users find enjoyable, especially during heavy typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switches offer a smooth linear feel, characterized by their lightweight design and a notably quieter operation, making them ideal for those who prefer a more subdued keystroke without the distraction of audible clicks. While the Box White V2 is often favored for its engaging feedback, the Peach is perfect for users seeking a softer touch and a less intrusive typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Peach, a noticeable distinction arises in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it especially appealing for gamers and typists looking for a more acute auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing, a classic type of material that produces a duller and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This acoustic difference underscores how the choice of material intensely influences the auditory experience while typing, with the polycarbonate promoting a clearer sound and the nylon offering a more rounded and subdued auditory feedback.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Peach utilize nylon, creating a uniform experience regarding this component. Nylon’s inherent qualities contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is felt more significantly upon bottoming out, thereby enhancing the overall typing experience. Because both switches share this nylon bottom, users can expect a consistent depth of sound regardless of the top housing material. While the top housing of the Box White V2 tends to provide sharper sounds, the nylon bottom of both switches harmonizes their auditory output, allowing for a cohesive typing experience across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Kailh Box White V2 differentiates it quite notably in the auditory landscape compared to the Outemu Peach, which employs a fully nylon-based housing combination. The stiffer top housing of the Box White V2 enhances clarity, while the nylon bottom aligns with the Peach’s design characteristics. Nevertheless, both models benefit from the acoustic advantages of nylon in their bottoms, ensuring a richer bottom-out feel. Thus, while the switches produce varied sound profiles due to their differing top materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures a baseline quality of sound that is appreciated by users of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge, though both share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The Box White V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Peach is lighter at 40 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a more responsive experience might find the Outemu Peach more suitable, especially for extended use, as its lower actuation force can lead to less finger fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Kailh Box White V2, given its slightly heavier feel in actuation. Ultimately, both switches exhibit the same bottom out force, allowing for a consistent typing experience when pressed to the maximum depth, but the difference in actuation force caters to varying preferences in typing feel and fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Peach switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Box White V2 will provide a bit more depth in each keystroke, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Peach switch, with its shorter travel distance, could offer quicker response times, making it a better choice for gamers who value speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: those who enjoy the hearty depth of a longer travel distance may gravitate towards the Box White V2, while those favoring a snappier feel may opt for the Outemu Peach.
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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 switch is characterized by its crisp and pronounced audible click, providing a distinctive auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. This clicky sound is quite sharp, making it ideal for users who enjoy the satisfying sound that accompanies their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch remains considerably more muted, described as a neutral and subdued option. Its design focuses on minimizing noise, making it suitable for shared work environments or settings where low-volume typing is preferred. As a result, while the Box White V2 adds a lively auditory element to typing, the Peach provides a quieter, more understated experience.
In terms of tactile feel, the Box White V2 is known for its notable tactile feedback that activates at a specific point, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a definitive "bump" when a key is pressed. This creates a more engaging typing experience, especially for tasks that require precision. Conversely, the Outemu Peach switch offers a mild and subtle feel, catering to users who prefer a smoother typing experience without the pronounced tactile response. The Peach switches exhibit polished characteristics, making them notably smooth in action and providing a comfortable experience during longer typing sessions. This blend of a gentle resistance and silky key travel creates an approachable typing environment, particularly appealing to linear switch fans.
Combining these insights, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Peach switches cater to different user preferences. The vivid click and tactile feedback of the Box White V2 make it an exciting choice for those who relish audible and tactile stimulation in their typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Peach, with its muted sound and refined feel, is perfect for individuals seeking a lightweight, smooth, and quiet experience. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile engagement or a subdued, fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Peach switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a clicky, tactile feedback with a pronounced auditory response that enhances the typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its crisp sound and light actuation force make it ideal for typists who thrive on auditory cues to boost their productivity or who simply delight in the nostalgic feel of classic mechanical switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience, the Outemu Peach switches provide the smoothness of linear switches with the added benefit of being muted, making them suitable for quieter workspaces or shared environments. With their refined polished feel and mild resistance, these switches cater to users looking for a lightly tactile, yet smooth, experience without the distraction of noise. Therefore, consider your personal typing style and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard when making your decision, as each switch brings unique benefits tailored to different preferences.
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