Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 the Outemu Spring Breeze both offer unique advantages for users seeking a clicky typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and audible click, making it an excellent option for typists who thrive on the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke. Its design enhances the typing experience by allowing users to feel when the switch actuates, promoting accuracy and speed. On the other hand, while the Outemu Spring Breeze may not have the same level of widespread recognition, it offers a distinct clicky sound that many gamers and typists appreciate for its engaging feedback. With a slightly lighter actuation force, the Spring Breeze is designed for those who prefer a more responsive switch, potentially leading to faster typing speeds in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches cater to clicky enthusiasts but in different ways; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze switches, one of the primary distinctions lies in the composition of their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material not only enhances sound resonance but also allows for enhanced RGB lighting visibility due to its translucency. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze employs a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, crafting a more muted auditory experience compared to the Box White V2. Although both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the different materials for the top housings create distinct sound characteristics during typing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similarity between the two switches, as both the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Spring Breeze feature nylon in their construction. This shared characteristic means that both switches will provide a deep and rounded sound during typing, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound effectively. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase of a keypress, where the qualities of nylon contribute significantly to the overall feel and auditory feedback of the switch. Therefore, while the Kailh Box White V2 produces a pronounced sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top, the impact of the nylon bottom in both switches ensures a consistently full-bodied typing experience.
Ultimately, the contrast in the top housing materials between the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Spring Breeze presents a unique blend of auditory and tactile experiences for users. While the polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 allows for more pronounced and sharper sounds, the nylon top of the Outemu Spring Breeze enriches the typing experience with a deeper thud. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings means that both switches will elicit similar feedback during the actuation and bottoming out phases, providing users with satisfying tactile resistance. Therefore, while one switch might excel in brightness and clarity of sound, the other balances it with warmth and fullness, illustrating how the materials influence the overall performance of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Spring Breeze is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use or gaming sessions may find the Spring Breeze more comfortable. However, the heavier actuation force of the Box White V2 may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have a similar bottom out force of 50 grams for the Box White V2 and 55 grams for the Spring Breeze, the overall typing feel will vary due to the differences in actuation force, with the Spring Breeze offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience. The Box White V2, being the shorter of the two, may appeal to gamers and users who prefer a more responsive feel, allowing quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper key press that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for either rapid response or a more substantial feel when typing.
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 Spring Breeze 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 are well-regarded for their crisp, pronounced click that is both satisfying and distinctive during each keystroke. This sound profile contributes to the overall typing experience, making it particularly appealing to users who enjoy a clear audible feedback when they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific widely acknowledged characteristics regarding its sound. While the Spring Breeze is generally considered to be clicky, its precise auditory qualities might not have the same level of recognition or description as those of the Box White V2, which can make it difficult to predict how it will compare in typical usage.
When examining feel, the Box White V2 is known for its tactile and responsive feedback. Users will appreciate the firmness upon actuation, which enhances the typing experience by providing a solid confirmation with each keypress. The tactile bump leads to a sense of precision, making it suitable for both gaming and typing environments. In contrast, there isn’t ample information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch. Without a clear description or user experience insights, one might find it challenging to determine how its tactile feedback or smoothness stacks up against the Box White V2.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch stands out with its crisp sound and tactile feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remains less defined in both sound and feel characteristics. This discrepancy in available information highlights that while users can expect a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with the Box White V2, they may have to experiment with the Spring Breeze to understand its qualities fully. If you're looking for a predictable and enjoyable typing experience, the Box White V2 is a solid choice, whereas the Spring Breeze might offer an uncertain but potentially pleasant alternative depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Spring Breeze switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light touch and appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback coupled with an audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to actuate, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions, and the satisfying click sound enhances the typing experience, making it great for those who value auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke with a medium-light 55-gram bottom-out force, the Outemu Spring Breeze might be your go-to option. While it may not boast the same level of tactile or auditory feedback as the Box White V2, its smoother feel might appeal to those who favor a balanced typing experience without the intensity of a loud click. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you work in a shared space where noise is a concern, and how important feedback is to you when making your final decision.
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