Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style—two contenders worthy of comparison are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Tom. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinctive clicky feedback, providing users with a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that can enhance typing accuracy and responsiveness. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switches offer a tactile feel without the pronounced click, making them an appealing option for those who prefer a quieter typing environment while still enjoying a responsive typing experience. Both switches cater to different needs: the Kailh Box White V2 is excellent for typists and gamers who thrive on auditory cues, while the Outemu Tom suits users who seek a more subdued yet still dynamic interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Tom both feature a top housing made from polycarbonate, which significantly influences the acoustic characteristics of these switches. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Both switches benefit from this material’s translucency; as such, they offer an aesthetic advantage when used with RGB lighting, intensifying the visual experience for users looking to customize their keyboard setups. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures that, regardless of the brand, users will experience similar sound qualities when actuating these switches.

On the other hand, when we look at the bottom housing, both the Box White V2 and the Tom utilize nylon. This material is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon bottom housings absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is less sharp and more rounded. This contrast in sound characteristics between the harder polycarbonate top housing and the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a balanced acoustic experience when typing, regardless of whether a user opts for Kailh or Outemu switches.

In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Tom share similar materials in both the top and bottom housing, the interaction between these materials creates unique sound profiles for each switch. Both switches will deliver a crisp sound on key release due to their polycarbonate tops while presenting a fuller and rounder sound on bottoming out due to their nylon bottoms. Thus, users can expect a hybrid sound signature from both switches that appeals to different preferences in typing feedback and auditory feedback, making both options worthy of consideration for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Additionally, while the Box White V2 features a bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Tom switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to compare that aspect directly. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option between the two, while the Outemu Tom's heavier actuation force may be more desirable for people seeking a firmer, more tactile feedback during use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, a distinct difference is evident. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom measures shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Outemu Tom the more responsive option, catering to gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced and deeper feel. This may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience rather than the abruptness that can come with shorter switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance: the Tom shines for those seeking quickness, while the Box White V2 suits those who enjoy a more robust typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are characterized by their sharp, crisp audible click, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable and highly distinctive. This pronounced sound is accentuated by the switch’s design, making it one of the louder options available, perfect for users who appreciate an engaging acoustic experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom's sound characteristics are less defined, lacking a specific description. This absence of a clear sound profile suggests that they may produce a more subdued experience compared to the Box White V2, though the final auditory output will still depend on the keyboard build and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a robust tactile feedback, allowing typists to confidently register each keystroke. The tactile bump is well-defined, which enhances typing accuracy and can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy the sensation of a switch that provides clear feedback about actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Tom's tactile feel is not explicitly detailed, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the expectation in a tactile switch is for a level of tactile feedback that aids in typing comfort, albeit possibly with a different profile than the Box White V2.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is recognized for its clear, rewarding sound and strong tactile feedback, the Outemu Tom switch lacks specific characteristics to compare on those same fronts. If sound is an important factor for you, the Box White V2 is likely to offer a superior experience, while the lack of defined feedback from the Tom makes it harder to assess its performance in this regard. Nonetheless, each switch can cater to various preferences, and users may ultimately find satisfaction in both types depending on their individual needs and habits.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you use your keyboard. If you enjoy a light and responsive typing experience with noticeable tactile feedback and an audible click, the Box White V2 is the ideal choice. The satisfying sound and feel can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it perfect for writers, gamers, or anyone who appreciates a lively keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter setting or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Tom switch might be the better option—especially if you prioritize tactile feedback without the additional noise. While the Box White V2 excels in auditory feedback, the Tom offers a more muted feel, making it suitable for shared workspaces where loud sounds might be disruptive. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best switch choice for you.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more