Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making them a favorite for typists who enjoy an engaging and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches offer a smooth, linear feel with minimal sound, perfect for those who prefer a quieter workspace or enjoy gaming without the distraction of clicking noises. While the clicky nature of the Box White V2 can enhance the satisfaction of key presses, the Silent Yellow's stealthy operation appeals to users seeking tranquility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow, several similarities and differences become evident. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to their sound profile. The use of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition, which enhances the clarity and resonance of key presses. This shared characteristic is particularly beneficial for gamers and typists alike, as it not only creates an enjoyable auditory feedback but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. As a result, users can expect similar auditory experiences when using both switches thanks to the polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow differentiates their overall sound profile and typing feel. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback during keypresses. While the top housing of both switches contributes to the sharper sounds at the key release, the nylon bottom housing is crucial in affecting the bottom-out sound and the tactile sensation during typing. Therefore, despite both switches sharing polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms will yield distinct auditory impressions, making their tactile typing experiences uniquely different.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches plays a significant role in typists' and gamers' overall experience. The polycarbonate top of both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow facilitates a bright and clear sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom offers a richer, warmer tone upon bottoming out. Together, these characteristics frame a desirable sound profile for many enthusiasts. Consequently, users may find that, while both switches share similar auditory attributes from the polycarbonate top, the differences in bottom housing materials create unique tactile sensations that can influence their preference between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch with the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we see notable differences in their bottom out forces despite having the same actuation force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, which provides a similar feel for typing. However, the Bottom out force reveals a disparity: the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Yellow's bottom out force is 60 grams. This indicates that while both switches offer a lighter actuation feel, the Kailh Box White V2 will feel lighter overall due to its softer bottoming out compared to the heavier bottom out experience of the Silent Yellow. Thus, the Box White V2 is better suited for those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, while the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow switch has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke for users who enjoy the depth and feedback associated with a fuller press. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel, making it more appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Users who prefer a more abrupt keystroke may gravitate toward the Box White V2, while those who appreciate a sturdier feel might opt for the Silent Yellow. In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 is the shorter option, and the Outemu Silent Yellow is the longer one.
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 Yellow 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 deliver a distinctly crisp and pronounced audible click that is satisfying for many users who enjoy the auditory feedback while typing. This click is a defining characteristic of the switch, adding a lively element to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are designed to be quiet, focusing on minimal noise production during key presses. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. However, since the Silent Yellow's sound profile is less defined or documented, it may not produce the same kind of recognizable auditory feedback as the Box White V2.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 switches provide a strong tactile feedback that many typists crave. The noticeable bump at the actuation point offers a clear indication that the key has been registered, making it easier to type accurately and quickly. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches boast a linear feel, meaning they lack tactile bumps or clicks. This creates a smooth keypress from top to bottom, appealing to gamers and individuals who prefer a seamless experience without interruptions. The difference in tactile feedback can significantly influence a user's typing experience and ultimately their preference for one switch over the other.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its loud, satisfying click and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy auditory and physical confirmations while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow provides a quieter operation and a smooth, linear feel that caters to users prioritizing silence and seamless keypresses. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will significantly depend on your specific preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy sound and tactile feedback, the Box White V2 will serve you well. If you prefer a more subdued experience, the Silent Yellow will be the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, your preferences and typing environment play a crucial role. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience that offers both auditory and physical feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate the satisfying click sound that accompanies each keystroke, making it ideal for typists and gamers who thrive on a more engaging keyboard feel. However, if you find yourself needing a quieter operation—whether it's for working in shared spaces, late-night gaming sessions, or simply preferring a more subdued typing experience—the Silent Yellow provides a smooth, linear feel without the distracting noise, offering a balanced actuation force that can enhance your typing comfort. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your sound sensitivity, typing preference, and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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