Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the sounds of their keystrokes and seek a more expressive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch designed for those who value a quiet yet engaging sound while typing; it features a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying feel without the noise, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches have their appeal—whether you're drawn to the unmistakable feedback of the Box White V2 or the stealthy satisfaction of the Silent Grey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey, it becomes evident that both switches employ the same top housing material—polycarbonate—resulting in similar auditory characteristics. This choice of material is crucial as it contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for achieving a more dynamic typing experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency not only enhances aesthetic appeal, especially under RGB lighting conditions, but also ensures that both switches provide a similar light diffusion effect, promoting vibrant and eye-catching illumination.
On the other hand, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the implications of this material choice further emphasize their nuanced auditory profiles. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, this results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that feature it. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, you can expect a similarly rich and rounded sound when bottoming out the keys, ensuring that the overall tactile experience remains consistent across both types of switches.
Ultimately, the blending of these materials creates a unique interplay that influences the typing experience. With both switches sharing polycarbonate tops for clarity and nylon bottoms for depth, users of either switch can look forward to a balanced auditory experience. The top housing will distinctly influence the sound when releasing the keys, while the bottom housing will predominate in the bottom-out sounds. Thus, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Grey may exhibit slight differentiations in their actuation characteristics, their shared material choices ensure that users can expect notably similar experiences with respect to sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch present distinct differences in their 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 users who prefer a responsive feel and wish to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This heavier resistance provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you favor a lighter touch, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the preferable option, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey caters to those who appreciate a stronger resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Box White V2 offers a shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Grey measures 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Box White V2, you will likely experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quick response times. In contrast, the Silent Grey, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its hearty depth. Therefore, if you favor quicker, more immediate keystrokes, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice, while the Outemu Silent Grey caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke 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 Silent Grey 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 renowned for its distinct and sharp click sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This audible click is not only pleasurable to those who enjoy the acoustic sensation of typing but also serves as an auditory confirmation that a key has been actuated. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a starkly different auditory experience; it is designed for a quieter operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a consideration. Although it retains a tactile bump, it lacks the pronounced clicking noise, resulting in a typing experience that remains discreet yet still gratifying in its sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 is characterized by its crisp tactile feedback, delivering a clear resistance followed by a sharp actuation point that can be very satisfying for typists who appreciate a responsive switch. This crispness complements the audible click, providing a holistic experience that enhances the enthusiasm of typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches excel in delivering a smooth and pronounced tactile bump without the additional auditory distractions. The keystroke is designed to feel fluid, allowing for comfortable and extended typing sessions, while still providing enough feedback through its tactile nature to keep the user engaged and aware of their inputs.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box White V2 offers a dynamic clicky experience that is ideal for those who revel in audible feedback and crisp actuation, while the Silent Grey caters to users prioritizing a more subdued auditory environment, focusing on a smooth and tactile typing experience. Each switch provides distinct advantages, and ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feeling during typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy an audible and pronounced feedback with each keystroke, and prefer a lighter actuation force for effortless typing, the Box White V2 is a great choice. Its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying click sound will keep you engaged, making it ideal for gaming and typing scenarios where you appreciate an active auditory response. On the other hand, if you require a more discreet typing experience that still delivers a solid tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch should be your go-to option. With a heavier actuation force and a smooth keystroke, this switch is perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern, combining satisfaction with quiet performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the setting in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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