Kailh Box White V2 vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile gratification of clicky switches like the Kailh Box White V2 and the smooth, uninterrupted experience offered by linear switches such as the Huano Sakura. The Box White V2 is renowned for its sharp audible clicks and pronounced tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience and require auditory cues for accuracy. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are celebrated for their incredibly light actuation force, providing a soft touch that is perfect for long typing sessions without the strain commonly associated with heavier switches. While the Box White V2 shines in gaming and typing scenarios demanding precision and feedback, the Sakura appeals to users seeking a quieter, more streamlined experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Sakura, it's essential to recognize that the top housings are made of different materials, leading to distinct acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its clarity and resonance. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it appealing for those who prefer a crisp auditory response. Additionally, its translucency is beneficial for users who want to enhance RGB lighting effects, allowing light to pass through and create vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also reputable for its strength and durability, delivers a distinctly smooth, clacky sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to varied preferences in sound profiles.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides a consistent foundation for sound quality. The nylon construction contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer plastic composition absorbs more noise, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This commonality means that users can expect similar bottom-out sounds when typing, regardless of the differences in top housing materials. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and sound when pressing down on the switch, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Huano Sakura deliver satisfying results in this aspect, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience that resonates well with traditional switch users looking for depth in sound.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Huano Sakura switches contrast notably in their top housing materials, affecting their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 creates a sharper and more resonant sound ideal for those who enjoy clarity, while the POK top housing of the Sakura enhances smoothness and produces a clacky sound. Nevertheless, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, yielding similar properties in terms of sound depth and fullness. Therefore, while users may experience different auditory profiles due to the top housings, the similarities in the bottom housings ensure that both switches maintain a sense of familiarity in terms of overall acoustics and tactile feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light. In contrast, the Sakura switch has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which also falls into the light category but is noticeably lighter than the Box White V2. This means that the Sakura switch is easier to press, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize extended typing sessions without strain. On the other hand, enthusiasts who prefer a more substantial feel may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box White V2 more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option overall, catering to those who favor minimal resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, both switches move the same distance from top to bottom, resulting in a similar keypress feel for users. Consequently, whether you choose the Box White V2 or the Sakura, you'll experience the same travel distance, making them comparable in terms of this specific characteristic.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 produce a distinctly crisp and sharp click with each keystroke, making them highly audible and satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This sound is characteristic of clicky switches, creating an engaging typing experience that can enhance focus and enjoyment. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches have a more subdued audio profile, producing medium acoustics that are less intrusive than the Box White V2. This makes them well-suited for quieter environments, as they provide enough sound to signify a keypress without being overwhelming, contributing to a more low-key typing ambiance.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 offers a pronounced tactile feedback that aligns with its clicky nature; users can expect a noticeable resistance followed by a distinct click when the actuation point is reached. This tactile response can lead to a satisfying typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate the sensory engagement of a tactile and clicky switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch, resulting in a linear typing feel that lacks the tactile bump. This smooth and consistent actuation can be advantageous for those who type quickly or prefer a more effortless keypress, catering well to extended typing sessions without fatigue.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 switches deliver a distinctive and engaging auditory and tactile feedback, making them ideal for users who enjoy pronounced clicks and tactile bumps, the Huano Sakura switches excel in providing a light and smooth experience with moderate acoustics, suited for longer typing without the strain. Ultimately, the choice between these two options will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as each offers a unique typing experience that can lead to similar typing speed and efficiency, tailored to the individual’s style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate audible feedback and tactile sensations that provide satisfying confirmation with each keystroke, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its crisp click sound and distinct tactile bump enhance the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for tasks where feedback and clarity are desired, such as coding or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch would be the better choice. With its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, it provides an effortless glide without any tactile interruption, which can be advantageous for both casual typing and fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects—sound, tactile feedback, or smoothness—are most important for your specific use case to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
