Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silver switches. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its distinctive clicky feedback, providing users with a tactile sensation and an audible click that many typists find satisfying and enjoyable. This makes it an excellent choice for those who thrive on feedback and prefer a more interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switches are linear in nature, meaning they offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or click sound. This feature appeals to gamers and typists who prioritize quick key presses and less auditory distraction during their sessions. Both switches have their unique merits depending on your preferences—whether you're drawn to the engaging click of the Box White V2 or the seamless motion of the Outemu Silver. However, 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 Silver Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silver, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a strikingly similar sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a sharper and more resonant auditory experience, while its translucency enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. Since both switches share this material, users can expect a comparable clarity and crispness in sound during typing. This shared material choice ensures that both the Box White V2 and the Outemu Silver achieve a pronounced high-pitched note, making them particularly appealing to typists who appreciate a more dynamic auditory feedback.

In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which brings an entirely different auditory characteristic to the table. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile upon actuation. This variance significantly influences the overall acoustic experience by blending the sharper notes from the top polycarbonate housing with the fuller qualities of the nylon bottom. Thus, while the top housings may generate a crisp sound when released, the bottom housing contributes to the satisfying thock associated with key presses. This synergy helps create a balanced audio output that typists often seek in mechanical switches.

Overall, the use of these materials allows both switches to deliver distinct yet complementary sound profiles. With polycarbonate on top providing a clear and bright tone and nylon on the bottom enriching it with depth and fullness, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silver can satisfy users interested in a well-rounded typing experience. Consequently, whether one chooses the Box White V2 or the Outemu Silver, they can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and resonance from the top housing, paired with a robust tactile experience stemming from the nylon bottom housing.

Weight

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar level of ease when pressing down to register inputs. However, the comparison diverges when examining the bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Outemu Silver, which has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This heavier bottom out in the Silver switch may provide a more substantial feel while typing, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Therefore, for users looking for a lighter typing experience suitable for extended use, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silver may attract those who enjoy a firmer push with each keystroke.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference makes the Box White V2 the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers who require quick actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Silver with its longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and satisfying key press, which some users prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. If you're looking for a switch with faster response times, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a delicious depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Outemu Silver.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switch stands out with its crisp, distinct audible click that provides an immediate auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clicky character lends itself to a satisfying typing experience, offering users a confirmation of their inputs. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch lacks a defined sound profile, making it more subdued in comparison. This means that while the Box White V2 delivers a pronounced acoustic response, the Silver might be preferable for those seeking a quieter typing experience. However, it’s crucial to remember that the overall sound perceived can be influenced by factors like the chosen keyboard plate and keycaps.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Kailh Box White V2 is recognized for its tactile bump, which adds a noticeable resistance and feedback during the actuation. This tactile sensation not only enhances typing precision but also contributes to a more engaging experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch, which means it lacks any tactile bump or auditory click. This results in a smooth keystroke from top to bottom, appealing to those who prefer fluid key presses without interruptions. Users of the Silver switch might find it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where speed and seamless key transitions are favored over tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silver switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. The Box White V2 delivers a crispy auditory cue and tactile feedback that many typists cherish, while the Outemu Silver focuses on smooth, quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for gamers or those who prefer minimal noise. Depending on your priorities—whether they lie in auditory feedback and tactile response or in quiet, uninterrupted action—you'll find that these switches can meet your needs effectively, allowing for an enjoyable typing or gaming experience with each option.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silver linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience and appreciate the sound of an audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, particularly if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for those who type frequently or engage in fast-paced typing, such as programming or writing, as the sharp feedback can enhance your accuracy and speed. On the other hand, if you want a more subdued typing experience and appreciate smoother keystrokes without audible clicks, the Outemu Silver linear switches would be more suited to you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Silvers provide a more stable and consistent feel, making them a good option for gaming or long typing sessions where you might prefer less noise and a more linear response. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more