Kailh Box White V2 vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko Rosewood 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 Akko Rosewood stand out for their distinct characteristics. The Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky feel, delivering sharp tactile feedback and a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, making them an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a more engaging and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by their deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a velvety feel with each press. While the Box White V2 caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory confirmation through clicking sounds, the Rosewood appeals to users seeking a quieter, smooth experience without the click but with a satisfying acoustic profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko Rosewood, the contrasting materials used in their top housings play a significant role in their overall acoustics and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's characteristics as a stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucency of the polycarbonate adds an aesthetic advantage, especially for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, which signifies a departure from the Box White V2's approach. Nylon is a softer plastic, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs vibrations more effectively than hard plastics. This fundamental difference is crucial in shaping the auditory experience of each switch, with the Box White providing brightness and the Rosewood offering warmth.
While the top housing materials of the two switches present differing sound profiles, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon. For the Box White V2, the nylon bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of the Rosewood's bottom housing, fostering a deeper and more rounded sound profile. Since nylon dampens sound more effectively than stiffer materials, both switches deliver a fuller auditory experience when bottoming out. This shared bottom housing material contributes to a level of similarity in tactile feedback, ensuring that both switches provide a satisfying feel as the key is pressed down. Thus, even though the top housings introduce distinct acoustic qualities, the nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying element in both switches, creating a cohesive sound experience.
In essence, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Akko Rosewood present contrasting top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing features allow for comparable results in terms of bottom-out acoustics. The interplay between the crisper sound of polycarbonate and the rounder sound of nylon in the top housing does, however, mean that users will experience different textures and auditory nuances when typing. The Box White V2 is ideal for those seeking a bright and engaging sound, perfect for gaming environments, whereas the Rosewood appeals to users favoring a deeper, more muted typing experience with a classic touch. Ultimately, prospective users can select the switch that best complements their typing preferences, while still expecting a solid foundation of sound through the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both present light force options but differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood switch is lighter at 40 grams, making it easier to press down during typing or gaming sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they feel similar when pressed fully down. For those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming, the Akko Rosewood is the better choice due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, for users who appreciate a bit more resistance, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a slightly heavier touch without compromising on the bottom out experience. Overall, while both switches have the same bottom out force, the difference in actuation force highlights the Rosewood as the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Box White V2 is a shorter switch compared to the Rosewood. Users looking for responsiveness may be drawn to the Kailh Box White V2, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and response time, with the Kailh Box White V2 catering to those favoring a quicker, more abrupt activation, and the Rosewood satisfying those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty typing experience.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 renowned for their sharp, crisp auditory feedback, delivering a definitive click on actuation that many users find satisfying and energizing. This distinct sound makes these switches particularly popular among typists who enjoy a pronounced acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a deep, thocky sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience with a rich resonance that many gamers and typists appreciate. The difference between the two sounds is notable; the Box White V2 provides a bright, high-pitched click, while the Rosewood delivers a more subdued yet resonant tone. It's important to note that the acoustic qualities of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which can modify how each switch sounds in practical use.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a tactile bump that is pronounced and offers clear feedback upon actuation, making them ideal for those who appreciate tactile cues during typing. The resistance is effective at preventing accidental key presses, allowing for precise typing with an engaging sensation on each stroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are characterized by their smooth linear feel, providing uninterrupted motion from top to bottom without tactile feedback. This lack of resistance results in an exceptionally fluid typing experience, which many users find appealing, particularly for gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. Ultimately, the feel of each switch caters to different preferences—whether one favors tactile feedback or a smooth linear motion.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a typing experience enriched with auditory feedback, the Kailh Box White V2's crisp clickiness might be your preference, while those looking for a more subdued, thocky sound and smooth key press may gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood switches. Each switch has its unique strengths, appealing to different types of users based on the qualities of sound and feel. Ultimately, it's important to choose a switch that aligns with your individual typing style and sound preferences to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a clicky, tactile feel with a distinctive audible feedback that can enhance the typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. It's particularly suited for those who love the sensation of hearing and feeling the actuation of each key press, making it ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate that satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more serene typing experience, the Akko Rosewood linear switch would be the better choice. Its deep, satisfying thocky sound, complemented by factory-applied lubrication, provides a plush feel that is quieter and more subdued, making it perfect for environments where noise might be a concern or for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, both switches offer a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, so the decision rests on whether the engaging click of the Box White V2 or the tranquil glide of the Rosewood aligns more with your typing style and environment.
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