Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Purple offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who enjoy a more interactive experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Purple, while also providing tactile feedback, emphasizes a quieter operation without the pronounced click, making it a better fit for those who prefer a subtle notification of actuation without disturbing their surroundings. Each switch has its own unique character—Kailh Box White V2 for its bold auditory response and Outemu Purple for its understated feel—allowing users to align their switch choice with their typing style and environment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Purple, both switches share a commonality in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. This material is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which contributes to the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, both switches will exhibit similar auditory characteristics, making them ideal for users who appreciate a crisp typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing enhances the RGB lighting effects that many users desire, allowing for vibrant illumination when the switches are illuminated from beneath.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing composition, where both utilize nylon as the chosen material. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since the bottom housing is more influential on the overall bottom-out sound and tactile feel of the keys, the use of nylon in both switches results in a more muted and rounded acoustic signature compared to their polycarbonate counterparts. This combination of materials emphasizes the unique strengths of each housing: clarity and brightness from the polycarbonate top paired with the warmth and depth of the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the interplay of these materials creates distinct auditory experiences between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Purple. While they achieve similar results in terms of their sound profile due to the shared polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing serves to soften the overall auditory output, leading to a satisfying blend of sharpness and richness. Users can expect that pressing down on each switch will yield a blend of clear sound upon release, thanks to the polycarbonate, while the bottoms will provide a more rounded, subdued acoustic experience during typing, demonstrating how housing materials impact the tactile and auditory feedback of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force can be observed. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Purple has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that those who prefer a lighter touch for comfortable extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Box White V2. Additionally, the Box White V2 has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, again making it lighter compared to the Purple, whose bottom out force is unknown. Therefore, while both switches offer a unique typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a more lightweight option for those who prioritize ease of use, while the Outemu Purple, with its heavier actuation force, might cater to those seeking a more substantial feel to their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Kailh Box White V2 provides a shorter press compared to the Outemu Purple switch. If you're seeking a more responsive feel for gaming or fast typing, the Box White V2 could be the preferable choice due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, the Outemu Purple may suit your preferences better because of its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences based on their travel distances: the shorter Kailh Box White V2 for quick response times, and the deeper Outemu Purple for a more substantial feel.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are characterized by a sharp, crisp click that is highly pronounced, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This clear and distinct click not only enhances the typing experience but also provides an enjoyable tactile confirmation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a well-defined auditory profile available for analysis, leaving its sound qualities somewhat ambiguous. As sound perception can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap material, it’s important to note that users may experience different auditory feedback depending on their specific setups.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches deliver a satisfying tactile bump coupled with a pronounced click, creating an engaging typing experience that many users gravitate towards for both typing and gaming. The tactile feedback is immediate, giving a solid sense of engagement with each keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch is not specified with any particular tactile characteristics, which means its feel may vary without a definitive description to compare against the Box White V2. As such, users opting for the Purple may encounter an unknown experience that lacks the distinctive tactile reassurance found in the Box White V2.
Combining these insights, the Kailh Box White V2 stands out for its vibrant auditory and tactile experiences, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who appreciate clicky switches. The Outemu Purple, while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptions, remains an alternative option that may present a different experience altogether. For those seeking a well-rounded, clicky typing sensation, the Box White V2 is a reliable pick, while the Purple opens the door to exploration for a varying tactile profile, albeit with some uncertainty around its specific characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a light, responsive typing experience characterized by a pronounced auditory and tactile feedback, then the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its crisp click sound and tactile feel can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more interactive and engaging keyboard. Conversely, if you are looking for a quieter and more subdued typing experience, or if you're drawn to a tactile feel without an audible click, the Outemu Purple switch might be the right fit for you. While its specifications are not as clearly defined, this tactile switch is generally appreciated for a soft, cushioned feel that can be ideal for longer typing sessions or in shared spaces where noise is a concern. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you favor a dynamic, clicky response or a smoother, quieter tactile experience.
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