Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When exploring the dynamic world of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out for their distinctive clicky feedback, delivering a satisfying tactile response and an audible click that many typists and gamers adore. This makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, offering clear auditory and physical cues with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches take a different approach; being linear, they provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or click, making them ideal for users who seek a quieter typing experience, such as in shared or office environments where noise level is a consideration. While both options have their unique strengths, one being more tactile and the other being more subdued, 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 Silent Ocean Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a similar auditory experience when typing. Polycarbonate is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, largely due to its stiffer composition. This quality allows both switches to deliver a clear and resonant sound when pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their visual appeal, particularly for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting. Since both switches incorporate this material for their top housings, they will likely yield comparable sound characteristics and aesthetic advantages, making them excellent choices for gaming or typing setups where clarity and illumination are prioritized.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Ocean opt for nylon. This material is revered in switch design for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a sound that is often described as duller and rounder. Consequently, both switches will exhibit a more muted sound when bottoming out compared to more rigid materials, providing a tactile yet softer mechanical experience. The consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches assures users of a similar acoustic response during key presses, further enhancing the overall typing experience.

When considering the combination of these materials, the distinctions in sound and feel become more nuanced. While both switches will share the crispness attributed to polycarbonate in the top housing, the deeper sound profile induced by nylon in the bottom will round out the auditory signature. Each switch’s characteristics will shine through when struck, as the top housing influences the sound upon release, while the bottom housing impacts the forceful bottoming out. This interplay between materials results in a cohesive typing experience, making both the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Ocean viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct yet complementary sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we observe notable differences in their bottom out forces, despite their actuation forces being the same at 45 grams. Both switches allow for a light actuation, which can be comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Box White V2 is 50 grams, making it feel lighter overall, while the Silent Ocean's bottom out force is 65 grams, resulting in a heavier and more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Thus, for those who favor a lighter switch for endurance, the Box White V2 is the clear choice, while the Silent Ocean suits users who prefer a firmer press for a more tactile experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, impacting their overall feel and suitability for various preferences. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Silent Ocean, which boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. Because the Silent Ocean offers a longer travel distance, it may provide a more pronounced keystroke experience preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more satisfying press. In contrast, the Box White V2’s shorter travel distance aligns with the trend toward quicker response times favored by gamers, allowing for a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, your choice between the two should reflect whether you prefer the snappier feedback of a shorter travel distance or the depth and heft of a longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its distinct and pronounced click, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is both sharp and crisp. This click sound enhances typing confidence and makes it popular among users who enjoy acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to minimize sound disruption, producing a virtually silent operation without any audible clicks. This makes the Silent Ocean an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, particularly in shared or professional environments.

When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 offers a tactile bump that signifies actuation, giving users a clear indication of when a key has been activated. This tactile feedback can make typing feel more engaging and helps reduce typing errors for many users. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean linear switch provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or bumps, allowing for a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. This smooth action is often favored by gamers and fast typists who appreciate a fluid bottom-out feel without any resistance.

Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Ocean switches present contrasting attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Box White V2 excels in providing audible and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Ocean prioritizes discretion with its quiet operation and smooth feel, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued keyboard experience. Depending on your needs and style, either switch can offer an enjoyable typing or gaming experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with audible feedback, the Box White V2 switches would be an excellent choice. Their light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes them suitable for fast typists or gamers who appreciate the clear auditory and physical response when a key is actuated. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience or plan to use your keyboard in shared spaces where noise might be a concern, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches with their smooth and subdued linear feel would be ideal. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches can provide a more controlled typing experience, particularly suited for those who type with more force or engage in longer sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, consider your typing environment, personal comfort level with switch weight, and whether you favor sound and tactile feedback over a smooth and silent experience when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more