Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke response and the satisfaction of that signature sound. Alternatively, the Outemu Red Panda presents a unique tactile experience with a lighter touch, providing a pleasant mix of both low-end bassy thock and higher-pitched clack, ideal for those who appreciate a subtler but still engaging feedback without the notable click of traditional switch types. While the Box White V2 excels in delivering a delightful, attention-grabbing typing sensation, the Red Panda offers a more refined sound profile that some might find more conducive to longer typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Red Panda feature similar materials in their top and bottom housings, with both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The choice of polycarbonate in the top housing for both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the material's stiffness, which allows sound to resonate more clearly. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of these switches when RGB lighting is employed, making both the Box White V2 and Red Panda equally effective for aesthetically designed keyboards aiming for vibrant illumination.
In contrast, the housing materials differ greatly in their contribution to sound. While polycarbonate's properties in the top housing promote clarity and brightness, the nylon used in the bottom housing yields a noticeably deeper and fuller sound. This divergence means that when a typist presses down on either switch, they experience the softer, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon which dampens the bottom-out sound, leading to a more rounded acoustic experience. Consequently, even though both switches share the same materials, the distribution of sound characteristics between the top and bottom of each switch leads to a nuanced auditory experience that reflects their design philosophy.
Ultimately, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Red Panda incorporate the same types of materials in their housing, the blend of these materials generates different sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their positioning. The clearer, sharper top sound from the polycarbonate contrasts with the deeper, fuller sound contributed by the nylon bottom, creating a balanced auditory output. In essence, users can expect similar effects in terms of brightness from the top housing while enjoying the distinctive warmth from the nylon at the base, allowing for a satisfying typing experience that leverages the unique qualities of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which delivers a more substantial feel. This heavier resistance is ideal for those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the Outemu Red Panda is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in typing experience. The noticeable differences in force characteristics suggest that users seeking a lighter touch should lean towards the Box White V2, while those desiring a firmer push may favor the Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we see a distinction in their specifications. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights the Box White V2 as the longer option, offering a deeper feel that some users may prefer for its more substantial feedback. Conversely, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference; if you prioritize responsiveness, the Red Panda could be the better fit, while those who enjoy a deeper actuation might lean towards the Box White V2.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their sharp, distinct audible click that resonates with each keystroke, creating a satisfying auditory experience that many typists relish. This click is integral to the switch's personality, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing clear auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches generate a deeper, more bass-heavy sound, which can be described as 'thocky.' This sound combines a clackier top-out with a softer, raindrop-like bottom-out that stands in stark contrast to the Kailh's sharper click. The rich, enveloping quality of the Red Panda's sound can lend a cozy ambiance to the typing experience, making it appealing for those who appreciate a more muted yet depth-filled sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switch offers a pronounced tactile response with each keystroke, characterized by a crisp feedback that makes it a great choice for typists who enjoy tactile and clicky interactions. This feedback ensures a clear indication of actuation, helping typists achieve accuracy and speed. In comparison, the Red Panda switch provides a mild tactile sensation, creating a gentler typing experience. While it lacks the pronounced click of the Box White V2, this mildness makes it versatile and approachable, catering well to a variety of typing styles without overwhelming the user.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Red Panda switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences among typists. The Box White V2 excels with its sharp click and strong tactile feedback, ideal for those who thrive on clear sound cues and pronounced actuation. Conversely, the Red Panda captivates with its thocky sound profile and mild tactile feedback, offering a softer touch that can be more forgiving for long typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preferences in auditory and tactile experiences, as they offer distinctly different yet rewarding typing sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Red Panda switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and clicky typing experience that provides crisp tactile feedback alongside an audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is likely the better option for you. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams makes it particularly suitable for those who prefer quick and effortless keystrokes, ideal for typing or gaming where rapid action is essential. On the other hand, if you favor a more moderate typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda would be your go-to choice. The Red Panda’s slightly higher bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a more robust tactile feedback while delivering a rich, thocky sound that adds a satisfying auditory dimension to your typing. Additionally, the mild feedback of the Red Panda makes it a great option for longer typing sessions, as it offers a comfortable balance without being overly aggressive. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing—such as sound, tactile feedback, and actuation force—matter most to you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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