Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, especially when comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent White. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and distinctive audible click, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a more interactive experience with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who thrive on auditory and tactile responses, often preferred by gamers and typists who appreciate responsive key actions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White offers a linear typing experience characterized by its smooth and quiet keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who seek minimal noise and distraction in shared workspaces or gaming environments. The Silent White is particularly appealing for users who prioritize a serene atmosphere without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Outemu Silent White 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 White switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp auditory experience. The rigid nature of polycarbonate contributes to its clear and resonant acoustic characteristics, making these switches particularly appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced sound while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, regardless of other differences, users can expect a consistent auditory quality from the top housing of both switch types.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent White are made of nylon, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherently softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience when the keys bottom out. Although both switches share similar materials in their top and bottom housings, the differing characteristics of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom emphasize distinct aspects of the typing experience. As a result, while the top housing drives clarity, the bottom housing adds a layer of depth, culminating in a unique but harmonious sound profile.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the interactions between the top and bottom housings are crucial. The polycarbonate top will dominate the sound produced upon release, providing that sharpness expected from these switches, while the nylon bottom will enhance the feel and sound upon bottoming out due to its sound-absorbing properties. Thus, users will experience both a crisp and clear sound from the Box White V2 and Outemu Silent White switches when typing, along with a fuller response during bottom-out due to the nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer a layered auditory experience, blending the strengths of each material to create an enjoyable typing session.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we find that they share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent feel when it comes to the initial keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams, making it lighter, while the Silent White has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial resistance at the end of the keypress. This means that for users who enjoy a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the Box White V2 may be more suitable. Conversely, those who prefer a heavier push feel and a greater sense of depth in their typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier Silent White switch. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, they offer distinct experiences in terms of bottom out feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we find a noticeable difference. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a bit more depth and a tactile feel, the Kailh Box White V2 may be more suitable due to its greater travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quicker response times. Overall, the Box White V2 offers a more pronounced travel experience, while the Silent White caters to preferences for a more rapid and potentially less jarring actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is recognized for its distinct and sharp click, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This audible click is not only enjoyable for those who appreciate the classic sound of mechanical keyboards, but it also serves as a tactile confirmation of key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not boast a notable sound profile. Its design focuses on minimizing noise, making it ideal for quieter environments where sound disruption could be an issue. Keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard frame and keycap material, which might alter the overall acoustic experience.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a pronounced tactile bump that many typists find rewarding. This tactile feedback assists in preventing accidental key presses and instills confidence in each stroke. Conversely, the Outemu Silent White's linear switch features a smooth keypress without any tactile feedback. This design allows for fluid movement from key to key, appealing to users who prefer a more streamlined feeling while typing or gaming, as it eliminates the tactile interruption that characterizes clicky switches.

In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent White switches cater to markedly different user preferences. The Box White V2 delivers a crisp click sound and solid tactile feedback, making it desirable for users who enjoy a more traditional mechanical typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White offers a quiet operation and smooth keystrokes, ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. When choosing between them, consider whether you value auditory and tactile feedback or prefer a subtle, silent typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent White will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience that provides both auditory feedback and a light actuation force—making each key press feel satisfying and responsive—then the Kailh Box White V2 is the ideal choice for you. It’s especially suited for typing-intensive tasks, gaming sessions where feedback is essential, or if you simply prefer the nostalgic sound of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience without the clicky noises that could be distracting, the Outemu Silent White's medium actuation force provides a smoother, quieter feel, which is great for office environments or late-night gaming where you want to avoid disturbing others. In essence, if you value sound and tactile feedback, go for the Box White V2; whereas if you prefer a quieter and potentially more consistent key experience, the Silent White is the better option.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more